You need to ensure you have a realistic timeframe in mind when starting any website project. If you expect to have a full website designed and developed within a week, then you will need to re-adjust your expectations. All good things take time, and a website is no different.
You need to also consider that even finding the right agency or freelancer to help with your project takes time, and once you’ve found them, they may not be able to start on your project straight away because of existing deadlines. Want to find the right agency for you? Read our blog post that outlines how to choose the agency that fits your website launch requirements.
The length of a website project will also depend on the size of your website. If you’re just after a simple one page website, then that will be a lot quicker than a 30 page ecommerce website with 1000s of products for sale.
Having a deadline is important, but make sure it’s realistic. And don’t forget, sometimes things go wrong or take longer than expected, so make sure to build in some time for this as well.
We’ve outlined a typical website timeframe for you to keep in mind.
STEP ONE
Discovery
Define your aims, goals, sitemap, website mood board and homepage wireframe.
TYPICAL TIMEFRAME
2 Weeks
STEP TWO
Content Creation
Time to start writing content! At this stage you should have at least the first draft of the content created, ready to give to the designer so they understand your requirements. Iterations can always be made up to the launch of your website, but the base content will need to be ready for design to begin.
TYPICAL TIMEFRAME
As long as it takes you
STEP THREE
UX / UI design
With your base content written, your designer should now begin designing your homepage and internal page templates.
TYPICAL TIMEFRAME
3 Weeks
STEP FOUR
Development
Once your design is finalised, development can begin. Remember, any changes to the scope of the design may increase the development timeframe. At the end of this stage, you should have a fully working website ready for testing on stage (test) domain.
TYPICAL TIMEFRAME
3-4 Weeks
STEP FIVE
Quality Assurance
This is where you’ll fully test the website, raise issues or changes you want to be made. Sign off will be required from you once you’re happy.
TYPICAL TIMEFRAME
1 Week
STEP SIX
Launch
You’ve tested the website, content is uploaded and you’re ready to share with the world! Website is launched.
TYPICAL TIMEFRAME
1 Day
