How Long Does It Take to Build a Website?4 min read
How long does it take to build a website? This is one of the frequently asked questions especially if you’ve been thinking about launching your own site. And while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, I’m here to break it down in the simplest way possible so you know exactly what to expect.
The time it takes to build a website really depends on a few key factors like the type of website you want, how prepared you are, and who’s building it.
But generally speaking:
A simple site (like a personal blog or portfolio) can take anywhere from 1 day to 1 week.
A business site with more features and pages might take 2 to 4 weeks.
An eCommerce or complex custom site could take 2 to 6 months.
Well, if you’re hiring a web designer or developer in Nigeria, the cost for a basic site might fall between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000, while a custom eCommerce platform could go up to ₦2 million or more and naturally, the more complex the site, the longer it takes.
But that’s not the end, knowing how long it takes to build a website is only half of the story. What really matters is understanding why it takes that long and how you can plan ahead to save time, money, and energy.
Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Build a Website?
The Type of Website You’re Building
It’s a general knowledge that not all websites are created equal. For example, a simple portfolio or landing page could be done in a day or two especially if you’re using platforms like Wix or WordPress.
While a business website with multiple pages, branding, and blog sections could take more like 2–4 weeks.
On the other hand, for a full-blown online store, expect at least 2 months, if not more, especially if you’re selling lots of products with custom features. So it means that the more features you want, the more time it’ll take. That’s just how it works.
Your Design Needs
Are you going for a simple, clean layout or a modern, interactive website with videos, animation, and mobile responsiveness?
Bear in mind that custom designs and fancy features take longer to develop and test. If your goal is something visually stunning, just know that will add to how long it takes to build a website.
Do You Have Your Content Ready?
To be sincere, content is one of the biggest causes of delay.You might be surprised how many people say, “My site isn’t done yet,” simply because they haven’t written their About page or gotten the product images sorted. So, before you even hire a designer, get your text, images, videos, and any branding materials ready. It’ll save you weeks in delays.
Who’s Building the Site?
DIY tools like WordPress, Wix, or Shopify: These are fast, budget-friendly, and great for basic sites. In fact you could go live in a day.
Freelancers: These set of people offer more flexibility, but they may have other projects on their plate, so 2–8 weeks is a normal timeline.
Agencies: These are the most reliable, but they often take longer due to detailed processes, typically 1 to 6 months.
Each route affects how long it takes to build a website, so choose based on your needs, timeline, and budget.
Feedback and Revisions
Even if your developer is fast, if you delay giving feedback or keep changing your mind, things will slow down. In simpler terms; fast communication = faster project.
The more decisive you are, the less time it will take.
How to Speed Things Up
If you want to launch your site faster? Here are a few quick tips:
Know what you want before the project starts.
Prepare your content early and don’t wait till the last minute.
Stick to your plan and avoid changing your mind too often.
