How Long Does It Take to Build a Website? 

Key takeaways: 

• The time it takes to build a website ranges from minutes to months depending on your approach, complexity, and readiness. AI builders are the fastest to launch, while custom sites take the most time but allow complete flexibility. 

• Preparation shortens your build time. Having content, branding, and features decided upfront helps avoid delays and extra revisions. 

• Choosing the right platform is key. Match your method (AI, DIY, WordPress, or custom) to your budget, skills, and long-term needs for a smoother launch. 

If you’re planning to build a website, one of the first questions you’ll have is “How long will this take?” The honest answer: it depends on the kind of site you’re building, the tools you’re using, and how prepared you are before you start. 

A simple one-page site could be ready in just a few hours. A custom eCommerce store with unique features? That might take weeks or even months to design, develop, and test. Your timeline will shape everything, from your launch date and marketing plan to your budget and workload. 

In this guide, we’ll break down realistic timelines for different types of websites, explore the factors that can speed things up (or slow them down), and share practical tips so you can plan your launch with confidence. 

How long does it take to build a website? 

Your website’s launch timeline depends on your approach. Whether you’re using AI, a DIY website builder, WordPress, or going fully custom, each method has its own pace, pros, and trade-offs. 

Here’s a short comparison table for you to know the differences between the methods:  

Method	Typical timeframe	Cost range	Skill level needed	Best for
AI Website Builder	10 minutes– 2 hours	Low	Beginner	Fast launches, simple sites
DIY Website Builder (Wix, Squarespace)	10–20 hours	Low-Medium	Beginner–Intermediate	Small business sites, portfolios, blogs
WordPress with Template	20–40+ hours	Low–Medium	Intermediate	Blogs, business sites, niche eCommerce
Custom-Designed Website	60–200+ hours	Medium–High	Advanced/ Hire a pro	Unique branding, complex features
Basic eCommerce (Shopify, WooCommerce)	1–3 weeks	Low–Medium	Beginner–Intermediate	Small to medium online stores
Advanced eCommerce	1–3 months	Medium–High	Advanced/Hire a pro	Large-scale online stores, complex integrations

AI website builders  

Timeframe: 10 minutes–2 hours 
Best for: Beginners, quick launches, and small sites where speed matters most 

AI website builders create a site for you in minutes based on a few quick questions about your business, style, and features. 

Key steps: 

1. You’ll start by answering setup questions about your business type, style preferences, and the features you want. The more detail you give, the closer the AI’s first draft will be to your vision. 

2. The builder generates a ready-made design in minutes, which you can review and adjust by swapping layouts or removing sections. 

3. Placeholder text and stock images are replaced with your own content. Having copy and images ready ahead of time makes this much faster. 

4. Once the design feels right, preview it on desktop and mobile, then publish the site with a single click. 

Pros: 

• Fastest way to launch 

• Hosting and design included 

• No coding required 

Cons: 

• Limited flexibility for unique layouts or advanced features 

• May need to switch to a more robust platform later  

DIY website builders  

Timeframe: 10–20 hours 
Best for: Small business sites, personal portfolios, blogs, or event pages 

DIY website builders let you start with a template and customize it using drag-and-drop tools. They take longer than building with an AI website builder but offer more creative control, which makes them great for small business sites, portfolios, or blogs. 

Key steps: 

1. Pick a template that’s close to your desired look. Choosing wisely here cuts down on later adjustments. 

2. Customize the layout, colors, and fonts to match your brand identity. Most builders let you drag and drop elements without coding. 

3. Add your text, images, and features like galleries, forms, or event calendars. Uploading optimized images saves time and keeps pages fast. 

4. Adjust mobile and SEO settings to improve usability and visibility. 

5. Publish the site and connect your custom domain once everything looks good. 

Pros: 

• More customization than AI tools 

• Hosting, templates, and basic SEO tools included 

• Easy to update yourself 

Cons: 

• Can be slower than AI builders 

• Complex features may require workarounds or add-ons 

WordPress  

Timeframe: 20–40+ hours 
Best for: Blogs, business sites, and niche eCommerce stores needing flexibility 

WordPress is highly flexible and works for almost any site type. With thousands of themes and plugins, it allows deep customization but requires more setup time, technical know-how, and ongoing management compared to AI or DIY builders. 

Key steps: 

1. Install WordPress and select a theme that matches your goals. Premium themes often come pre-styled and reduce setup time. 

2. Add and configure plugins to handle SEO, forms, eCommerce, or other functionality. Choosing well-maintained plugins helps avoid technical issues later. 

3. Customize menus, widgets, and layouts so the site reflects your brand. Using a child theme ensures your changes stay intact during updates. 

4. Optimize performance and SEO before launch by running speed tests and fine-tuning metadata. 

5. When ready, move your site from staging or local setup to live hosting. 

Pros: 

• Huge range of customization options 

• Works for almost any type of site 

• Scales well as your site grows 

Cons: 

• Steeper learning curve for beginners 

• You manage your own hosting, security, and updates 

Custom-designed website 

Timeframe: 60–200+ hours 
Best for: Businesses with unique branding, complex workflows, or custom features 

A custom site is built from scratch to match your exact needs, offering full control over design and features. It’s the most time- and resource-intensive option, often taking weeks or months, but it delivers a completely unique result. 

Key steps: 

1. The process begins with planning the site structure, features, and workflows. This is where you define what makes the site unique. 

2. Designers create wireframes and mockups to visualize layout and branding. Feedback rounds are common and can stretch the timeline. 

3. Developers then build the site, coding each feature and integrating custom functionality. 

4. Content is added and formatted across every page, which is much faster if all copy and visuals are ready in advance. 

5. The site is tested on different devices and browsers before it goes live to ensure everything works smoothly. 

Pros: 

• Fully tailored to your brand and needs 

• Supports complex or industry-specific functionality 

• Scalable for future growth 

Cons: 

Basic eCommerce store (Shopify, WooCommerce) 

Timeframe: 1–3 weeks 
Best for: Small to medium-sized online stores 

These platforms let you launch a functional online store in weeks with built-in payment, shipping, and inventory tools. You’ll customize the design and upload products, but most of the technical setup is already handled for you. 

Key steps: 

1. Choose a store theme on Shopify, WooCommerce, or another platform, then customize it to match your brand. 

2. Upload products with names, descriptions, prices, and images. Bulk upload tools speed this up if you have a large catalog. 

3. Payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe are set up so transactions can be processed. 

4. Shipping, taxes, and checkout rules are configured to fit your business model and location. 

5. The entire buying process is tested end to end to make sure customers won’t run into errors. 

Pros: 

• Faster to set up than fully custom eCommerce 

• Built-in tools for payments, shipping, and product management 

• Beginner-friendly 

Cons: 

• Less flexibility for unique store layouts 

• May need add-ons for advanced features 

Advanced eCommerce store  

Timeframe: 1–3 months 
Best for: Large-scale online stores or businesses with specialized needs 

Advanced builds include custom designs, complex features, and integrations with systems like CRM or inventory management. They take longer, often one to three months but deliver a polished, scalable shopping experience. 

Key steps: 

1. Start by planning advanced product options such as bundles, subscriptions, or multi-variant items. These add to the build time but create a richer shopping experience. 

2. Designers and developers collaborate on custom storefronts and user flows that make the site stand out. 

3. Features like multi-currency support, multilingual sites, or advanced analytics are added if needed. 

4. Integrations with CRMs, inventory systems, or marketing platforms are developed to keep everything in sync. 

5. Extended testing follows, covering speed, scalability, checkout flows, and security before launch. 

Pros: 

• Fully tailored shopping experience 

• Supports large product catalogs and high traffic 

• Seamless integration with business tools 

Cons: 

• Longest eCommerce build time 

• Higher cost due to custom work 

Factors to consider when deciding how to build your website 

Your website’s build method will determine not only how long it takes to launch, but also how much control you have, what it costs, and how easy it is to maintain. The right choice depends on three main factors: 

• How quickly you need the site live 

• Your technical comfort level 

• How much customization you want 

How quickly you need the site live 

If speed is your top priority, AI builders or simple DIY tools are the best fit. They let you publish in hours instead of days. On the other hand, if you have a few weeks or months before launch, you can afford a WordPress setup or even a custom project that takes longer but gives you more flexibility. 

Your technical comfort level 

Think about how much hands-on work you’re willing (or able) to take on. Beginners usually prefer AI or DIY builders because they require no coding knowledge. WordPress sits in the middle: it offers more customization but comes with a learning curve. Custom websites, meanwhile, often require hiring developers since they demand technical expertise. 

How much customization you want 

The more unique your site needs to be, the more time it will take. AI and DIY builders are faster but have limits on design and functionality. WordPress gives you more options with themes and plugins, while a fully custom site offers total control at the cost of longer timelines and higher budgets. 

Website build timeline breakdown (Phase-by-phase) 

Every website project moves through the same set of phases, no matter which platform you use. The length of each stage depends on how prepared you are, the complexity of your site, and the method you choose. Here’s what to expect step by step: 

Domain and hosting setup (1–2 days) 

Before you can start building, you need a domain and a place to host your site. This is the foundation that makes your website accessible online. 

Key steps: 

1. Register your chosen domain name through a registrar or bundled website builder. 

2. Subscribe to a hosting plan that fits your needs, such as shared hosting, managed WordPress, or dedicated servers. 

3. Connect the domain to your hosting account so the site can be published later. 

4. If your platform includes domain and hosting (like Wix or Squarespace), confirm both are active and linked before you begin building. 

Planning and strategy (2–5 days) 

This stage is about creating a roadmap for your project. Taking the time to plan upfront helps you avoid scope creep and endless revisions later. 

Key steps: 

1. Define your site’s primary purpose, such as blogging, selling products, or showcasing work. 

2. Identify your target audience and the features they’ll expect, like booking tools or product filters. 

3. Outline the core pages and structure so you have a roadmap for design. 

4. Collect design inspiration or competitor examples to guide visual choices. 

5. Decide which platform (AI builder, DIY builder, WordPress, or custom code) best suits your timeline and goals. 

Design and wireframes (3–10 days) 

Once the plan is set, it’s time to shape the look and feel of your site. This phase focuses on translating ideas into a visual framework. 

Key steps: 

1. Choose a template or create wireframes from scratch for a custom build. 

2. Establish a visual style with colors, fonts, and brand elements. 

3. Map layouts for your main pages and plan how users will navigate between them. 

4. Share drafts or mockups for feedback and adjust based on input. 

5. Finalize the design before handing it off for development. 

Development and build (5–30+ days) 

Here’s where the design turns into a working website. The amount of time depends on whether you’re using a builder or custom code. 

Key steps: 

1. Build the site’s pages using your chosen platform or custom code. 

2. Add essential features like forms, image galleries, or shopping carts. 

3. Install and configure plugins, extensions, or integrations for extra functionality. 

4. Optimize layouts to ensure the site works smoothly on mobile devices. 

5. Review progress regularly with your developer or team to avoid delays. 

Content creation (2–10 days) 

With the site framework in place, it’s time to fill it with the words, images, and media that bring it to life. 

Key steps: 

1. Upload all finalized text, including product descriptions, landing page copy, and blog content. 

2. Format content so it flows well across pages and supports user engagement. 

3. Add images, graphics, and videos while ensuring they are optimized for performance. 

4. Review all content for tone, branding consistency, and readability. 

5. Check for errors like typos, broken links, or missing visuals before final testing. 

Testing & launch (1–3 days) 

The final step is making sure your site works flawlessly for every visitor. Thorough testing prevents avoidable issues on launch day. 

Key steps: 

1. Test the website across desktop, tablet, and mobile to confirm it looks consistent. 

2. Verify that all forms, links, and buttons are working correctly. 

3. Run full checkout and payment tests for eCommerce sites. 

4. Do a soft launch with a limited audience to spot last-minute issues. 

5. Back up the final version and publish your site to the world. 

Ready to put this into action? Follow our complete guide on how to make a website.  

What factors influence how long it takes to build a website? 

Every website is a little different, so there’s no single “standard” timeline. A lot depends on what you’re building, how you’re building it, and how prepared you are before you start. Here are the main things that can speed things up or slow them down: 

• Project scope 

• Technical complexity 

• Content readiness 

• Design needs 

• Review and feedback cycles 

Project scope 

Think of scope as the size of your project. A simple one-page site can be done in a day, while a multi-page business site or a big online store could take weeks (or even months). The more pages, features, and special tools you add like a blog, booking system, or customer login, then the longer it’s going to take. 

Technical complexity 

The more complex your site’s features, the longer the build. Using a drag-and-drop website builder is usually quick, but custom-coding interactive tools, membership areas, or integrations with other systems takes more time and expertise. 

Content readiness 

Having your text, images, videos, and product descriptions ready before you start can save days (or even weeks). If you’re still writing copy or scheduling photo shoots while the site is being built, expect delays because your site can’t launch without the final content. 

Design needs 

If you use a ready-made template, you can get moving pretty fast. But if you want a unique, custom design, it’ll take longer. Designers usually create wireframes and mockups first, then tweak things based on your feedback until it’s perfect. Those extra steps mean extra time. 

Review and feedback cycles 

Even a fast build can slow down if you’re waiting for approvals. Each round of edits—whether it’s text changes, image swaps, or layout tweaks, adds to the timeline. Quick, clear feedback from everyone involved helps keep things moving. 

What can speed up the website building process? 

Even if your site has a lot of moving parts, there are ways to streamline the build without cutting corners. The biggest time-saver is knowing exactly what you want and having your materials ready before you start. The rest comes down to choosing the right tools and avoiding common roadblocks. 

• Use templates or themes 

• Start with AI tools 

• Have your content ready in advance 

• Pick the right platform for your needs 

• Avoid scope creep 

Use templates or themes 

Starting from scratch means spending more time on design and layout. Templates let you skip straight to customization. Most modern templates are mobile-friendly and come with built-in features you’d otherwise have to add manually. 

How it speeds things up: 

• Eliminates the need for a full design phase 

• Comes pre-formatted with placeholder content 

• Often includes optimized layouts for faster setup 

Tip: Pick a template that’s close to your ideal look so you spend less time making changes. 

Start with AI tools 

If speed is the priority, AI website builders are your fastest option. They can generate a fully functional starting point in minutes, which you can refine later. Even if you plan to build a more advanced site, an AI-generated version can serve as a temporary placeholder while you work on the long-term version. 

How it speeds things up: 

• Instantly produces a working design 

• Reduces the need for manual layout work 

• Lets you focus on fine-tuning rather than starting from zero 

Tip: Use AI for quick launches but plan for scalability if your site’s needs grow. 

Have your content ready in advance 

One of the most common reasons projects stall is waiting for final copy, images, or videos. If your content is ready before the build starts, you can move smoothly from design to launch without delays. 

How it speeds things up: 

• Avoids bottlenecks during the content input phase 

• Helps designers and developers work with real content instead of placeholders 

• Reduces back-and-forth changes after launch 

Tip: Create a content checklist before you start so nothing gets overlooked. 

Pick the right platform for your needs 

Choosing a platform that matches your goals from the start prevents costly rebuilds later. If you need something simple, a drag-and-drop builder will be faster than coding from scratch. For complex stores or highly customized sites, starting with WordPress or a custom build will save time in the long run. 

How it speeds things up: 

• Avoids switching platforms mid-project 

• Reduces the need for workarounds or patch fixes 

• Ensures the build process fits your technical skill level 

Tip: Think about both your short-term launch and long-term growth before committing to a platform. 

Avoid scope creep 

Scope creep happens when you keep adding “just one more feature” during the build. While it’s tempting to add extras, every change means more design, coding, and testing. That’s fine if you have time but it can delay your launch significantly. 

How it speeds things up: 

• Keeps your project focused on the essentials 

• Prevents costly delays from redesigns or extra development work 

• Helps you stick to your original timeline and budget 

Tip: Separate “must-have” features from “nice-to-have” ones. Save the extras for a future update. 

Launch your website on time with the right tools 

Building a website can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few months, depending on your goals, budget, and build method. The best way to stay on schedule is to prepare—know your priorities, have your content ready, and choose a platform that fits both your skills and long-term plans. 

Network Solutions has the tools to match your timeline, from our AI Website Builder for same-day launches to professional design services for custom projects. Pair that with our reliable hosting services, and you’ll be set for a smooth, on-time launch.  

Start building your website with Network Solutions today! 

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