How long should a website take to build?
90 days is not normal. Here is what realistic timelines look like for different types of projects, and what causes projects to drag on unnecessarily.
We regularly speak to business owners who have been quoted 8 to 12 weeks for a website. Some have waited longer. The question worth asking is not just how long it will take, but why.
Realistic timelines by project type
A simple 5-page brochure site with a clear brief and content ready to go: 3 to 5 days. There is no reason it should take longer if the developer is focused and the client is responsive.
A standard business website with CMS, up to 10 pages, content entry included: 2 to 4 weeks. This allows time for design sign-off, content review, and thorough testing.
A full custom build with e-commerce, booking systems, or bespoke functionality: 6 to 12 weeks. This kind of complexity legitimately takes time. Design, development, integration, and testing all add up.
Why projects drag on
The most common cause of delays is content. Agencies wait for clients to provide copy and images, and clients deprioritise it once the initial excitement fades. A good process either helps with content production or sets clear deadlines upfront.
The second most common cause is a poorly defined brief. When the scope is not agreed upfront, projects expand as new ideas emerge. What was a 5-page site becomes a 15-page site six weeks in. Scope creep kills timelines.
The third cause is capacity. Many agencies take on more work than they can handle. Your project joins a queue and moves slowly because the team is stretched. This is common and rarely disclosed upfront.
What a good timeline looks like
A clear brief, agreed scope, and content ready before development starts. A defined launch date agreed at the outset. Regular updates rather than silence. And a developer or agency who will tell you honestly if something is going to take longer and why, rather than going quiet and hoping you forget.
If you have been waiting more than 6 weeks for a simple site with no obvious explanation, it is worth having a direct conversation about what is actually happening.