Article

How long does building a website take?

An honest overview of the timeline for a website project: from intake to live, by type, including what makes it faster or slower.

Written by Loek Delahaye, founder, Delahaye Solutions · 10+ years software architect and CTOPublished:
Short answer
  • A one-page website (Starter) is typically live within 5 working days.
  • A multi-page site (Business) is online within 7 working days.
  • Custom software or a web app has a timeline agreed in advance.
  • The biggest delay is not the build, but content delivery and feedback from your side.

Why timeline matters more than people think

When you need a new website, the first question is almost always: what does it cost? The second follows quickly: how fast can I have it? A website that goes live in three months doesn't help you tomorrow. But too tight a deadline produces rushed work and a site you regret later. Below we set out the realistic timeline for each type of site, so you know what to expect.

The timeline

How long does a website take per type?

Realistic turnaround times with smooth collaboration and timely content delivery.

TypeTimelineDescription
One-page (Starter)~5 working daysDesign + build + launch of a professional one-page site
Multi-page (Business)~7 working daysUp to 6 pages, custom design, SEO, live in a week
Custom software / web appBy agreementDepends on functionality; fixed timeline agreed up front

Timelines start after intake and approval of the proposal. Outside the build, your feedback speed is key.

The process

From intake to live: what it looks like

Step 1

Intake and proposal (day 1)

We start with a free 30-minute call. You describe your situation, wishes and target audience. We propose a fixed price and timeline. After approval, the clock starts.

Step 2

Design (day 1-2)

You receive a custom design that fits your brand. We ask for quick feedback: one revision round is included. This is usually the fastest part if content is ready.

Step 3

Build and content (day 2-4)

We build the approved pages and process your copy, photos and logo. A site is only as fast as the content you deliver. No copy yet? We write draft copy during the intake.

Step 4

Test and launch (day 5-7)

We test across all devices, verify SEO settings and contact forms. Once you approve, we go live. We connect domain and hosting for you.

What causes delays?

This extends the timeline

Late content delivery

The biggest delay is content that arrives late. Texts, photos and logo must be ready before the build phase. Our advice: put everything in a shared folder on day one.

Multiple decision-makers

When more people need to approve, feedback rounds take longer. Keeping one point of contact saves two to three days on average.

Scope changes mid-project

Extra pages or features added halfway extend the timeline. We work with a fixed scope so you know exactly what you get and when.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about timeline

Can my website go live faster than 5 days?
Yes, in some cases. If your content is fully ready, you give feedback quickly and no revision rounds are needed, a one-page site can sometimes go live in 3 working days. This is the exception rather than the rule.
What if I don't have copy yet?
No problem. We write draft copy based on the intake. That adds a day to the timeline, but ensures the site convinces from day one. Good copy is half of a good website.
How long does a web shop or client portal take?
As soon as real functionality is involved, such as a booking system, member administration or integration with an external system, it's custom software. The timeline is agreed in advance based on scope, with a fixed delivery date.
Can I see the website while it's being built?
Yes. We work on a private preview link, so you can follow progress. You see the design and give feedback before going live.
What happens after launch?
After launch we don't take the site offline immediately. You have at least 30 days to flag small adjustments. With a Care subscription (from €39/month) we do this continuously and keep the site up to date.

Want to know when your site can go live?

Book a free 30-minute call. Afterwards you'll know the price, the timeline and what to expect from us.

Book my free call →

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