The honest answer: 4-6 weeks for a simple site, 8-12 weeks for e-commerce, and 12-24 weeks for complex custom builds. But timelines vary dramatically based on what you’re building and how prepared you are. After nearly 30 years building websites, let me give you the realistic breakdown—no sugar-coating, no false promises.
What we’re building: – 5-8 pages (Home, About, Services, Contact, etc.) – Mobile-responsive design – Basic SEO setup – Contact forms and basic functionality – Content management system
Week-by-week breakdown:
Week 1: Discovery & Planning – Kickoff meeting and strategy session – Content gathering and organization – Competitor research – Sitemap and wireframe approval
Week 2-3: Design – Homepage design concepts (2-3 options) – Design revisions and approval – Internal page designs – Mobile responsive layouts
Week 4-5: Development – Front-end coding – CMS integration (WordPress) – Contact forms and functionality – Content population – SEO basics
Week 6: Testing & Launch – Cross-browser testing – Mobile device testing – Client training – Final revisions – Go live!
Real example: A Nottingham legal consultant needed a professional site quickly. We delivered in 5 weeks. Within 6 months, they generated 15 qualified leads per month—a 350% increase.
What we’re building: – Everything in Simple Website, plus: – Product catalogue (up to 100 products) – Shopping cart and checkout – Payment gateway integration – Inventory management – Customer accounts – Email automation
Week-by-week breakdown:
Week 1-2: Discovery & Strategy – Business goals and target audience – E-commerce platform selection (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento) – Payment gateway setup – Shipping and tax configuration – Product data organization
Week 3-5: Design – Homepage and category page designs – Product page templates – Cart and checkout flow design – Mobile optimization – Brand integration
Week 6-9: Development – Platform setup and configuration – Custom functionality development – Payment and shipping integration – Product uploads (or client uploads with our guidance) – Email automation setup – Security and performance optimization
Week 10-11: Testing – Transaction testing (test purchases) – Security audits – Performance testing – Mobile testing across devices – User experience testing
Week 12: Training & Launch – Client training on order management – Inventory management training – Marketing setup (abandoned cart, etc.) – Soft launch and monitoring – Full launch
Real example: An e-commerce retailer came to us with a slow Shopify store. We rebuilt it on WooCommerce in 10 weeks. Result: 225% conversion increase, 180% revenue growth, load times under 3 seconds.
What we’re building: – Everything in E-Commerce Website, plus: – Custom functionality and integrations – Advanced user portals – API development – Multi-language support – Custom reporting dashboards – Scalable architecture
Phase breakdown:
Phase 1: Discovery & Planning (2-4 weeks) – Detailed requirements gathering – Technical architecture planning – Database design – API integration planning – Project roadmap and milestones
Phase 2: Design (3-5 weeks) – User experience research – Wireframes and prototypes – Visual design concepts – Design system creation – Interactive mockups
Phase 3: Development (6-12 weeks) – Custom functionality development – API integrations – Database implementation – Security implementation – Performance optimization – Agile sprints with regular check-ins
Phase 4: Testing & QA (2-3 weeks) – Functionality testing – Security audits – Performance testing – User acceptance testing – Bug fixes and refinements
Phase 5: Launch & Support (1-2 weeks) – Deployment planning – Data migration (if applicable) – Training and documentation – Soft launch monitoring – Full launch and post-launch support
Real example: We developed a custom logistics platform for a Birmingham company in 18 weeks. They now process 40% more dispatches with 60% fewer errors, saving £50,000 annually.
Let me break down the factors that speed up or slow down your project:
Factors That Speed Things Up:
1. Content Readiness (Saves 1-2 weeks) – Professional photos ready – Copy written and approved – Brand assets organized – Product data formatted
2. Quick Decision-Making (Saves 1-3 weeks) – Stakeholders available for feedback – Design approvals within 48 hours – Clear decision-making process
3. Realistic Scope (Saves 2-4 weeks) – Well-defined requirements – No scope creep – Prioritized feature list
4. Technical Preparation (Saves 1-2 weeks) – Domain and hosting ready – Third-party accounts set up (payment gateways, email services) – Access to existing systems for integrations
Factors That Slow Things Down:
1. Content Delays (Adds 2-6 weeks) – Waiting for copy or photos – Multiple rounds of content revisions – Unclear messaging or brand voice
2. Scope Creep (Adds 2-8 weeks) – “Can we add just one more feature?” – Changing requirements mid-project – Discovering needs that weren’t discussed upfront
3. Stakeholder Availability (Adds 1-4 weeks) – Delayed feedback on designs – Multiple decision-makers with conflicting opinions – Vacations or busy periods
4. Third-Party Dependencies (Adds 1-3 weeks) – Waiting for API access from vendors – Payment gateway approval delays – Integration complexities
5. Technical Complications (Adds 1-4 weeks) – Legacy system integrations – Data migration challenges – Custom functionality more complex than anticipated
I’ll be honest: you can’t have fast, cheap, and good—pick two.
Fast + Cheap = Poor Quality – Template spam with no customization – Security vulnerabilities – Not mobile-optimized – Breaks easily when you try to update
Fast + Good = Expensive – Rush fees for expedited work – Larger team to compress timeline – Overtime costs
Cheap + Good = Slow – Small team working part-time – Limited resources – Longer development cycles
Real example: A client came to us after paying £800 for a “2-week website” on Fiverr. It wasn’t mobile-friendly, had security issues, and broke when they tried to edit it. We rebuilt it properly for £4,200 in 5 weeks. Within 3 months, they generated £18,000 in new business.
Yes, but only if you’re willing to make trade-offs:
Option 1: Phased Launch (Recommended) Launch with core features first, add advanced features later: – Phase 1 (4-6 weeks): Basic site with essential pages – Phase 2 (2-3 months later): Blog and content marketing – Phase 3 (6-12 months later): E-commerce or custom features
Benefits: Get online faster, spread costs, validate before investing heavily
Option 2: Template Customization Start with a premium template, customize professionally: – Timeline: 3-4 weeks – Cost: £2,000-£3,500 – Trade-off: Less unique, some design limitations
Option 3: Larger Team Assign more developers to compress timeline: – Timeline: 30-40% faster – Cost: 20-30% more expensive – Trade-off: Higher cost, coordination complexity
What we don’t recommend: – Skipping discovery/planning (leads to costly revisions later) – Rushing design approvals (you’ll regret it) – Launching before proper testing (security and functionality issues)
Let’s say you have a hard deadline—product launch, event, or business need. Here’s the realistic conversation:
If you need it in 2-3 weeks: Possible only for very simple sites (5 pages, template-based, content ready). We’ll tell you upfront if it’s realistic or if you should adjust expectations.
If you need it in 4-6 weeks: Achievable for simple business sites if you’re highly responsive and content-ready. We’ll need quick turnarounds on feedback (24-48 hours max).
If you need it in 8-10 weeks: Doable for e-commerce if scope is clear and you’re prepared. Expect to be very involved and available.
Red flags if an agency promises: – “We can build a custom e-commerce site in 3 weeks” (They’re lying or delivering garbage) – “We’ll have it done in 2 weeks” without asking about your content or requirements (Recipe for disaster) – Guaranteed timelines without understanding your project (Unrealistic)
Based on 30 years of experience, here’s how to keep your project on track:
Before You Start: 1. Gather all content (copy, images, videos, product data) 2. Define clear goals and success metrics 3. Identify decision-makers and ensure availability 4. Set up third-party accounts (domain, hosting, payment gateways) 5. Review competitor sites to clarify what you want
During the Project: 1. Respond to feedback requests within 48 hours 2. Consolidate feedback from all stakeholders before submitting 3. Stick to agreed scope (save new ideas for Phase 2) 4. Attend scheduled check-ins and review meetings 5. Test everything as soon as it’s available for review
Common Mistakes to Avoid: – Waiting until the project starts to write copy – Involving new stakeholders mid-project with different opinions – Requesting major changes after design approval – Being unavailable during critical decision points – Skipping testing because you’re eager to launch
Here’s how we ensure realistic timelines and on-time delivery:
✅ Detailed Project Planning – Clear milestones, dependencies, and deadlines from day one ✅ Real-Time Tracking – Motion.io dashboard shows exactly where your project stands ✅ Regular Communication – Weekly updates, no surprises ✅ Content Checklists – We tell you exactly what we need and when ✅ Buffer Time – We build in contingency for unexpected issues ✅ Agile Methodology – Flexible approach that adapts to changes without derailing timeline ✅ Dedicated Project Manager – Single point of contact who keeps everything moving
Legal Firm Website (5 weeks) – Client had content ready, responsive to feedback – Simple design, clear requirements – Launched on time, generated 420% traffic increase in 6 months
E-Commerce Retailer (10 weeks) – 80 products, custom WooCommerce build – Client uploaded products while we built – Launched on schedule, 225% conversion increase
Logistics Platform (18 weeks) – Complex custom functionality, API integrations – Agile sprints with bi-weekly demos – Delivered on time, saved client £50,000/year
Fitness Studio Website (6 weeks – DELAYED) – Started without content ready (added 3 weeks) – Multiple stakeholders with conflicting feedback (added 2 weeks) – Scope creep (added booking system mid-project, added 1 week) – Final timeline: 12 weeks instead of 6 – Lesson: Preparation and clear scope matter
Every project is different. Here’s how to get an accurate timeline for YOUR website:
Option 1: Free Project Assessment (High-Intent) Book a 30-minute call. We’ll discuss your goals, requirements, and deadline, then provide a detailed timeline and proposal within 48 hours.
Option 2: Download Our Timeline Guide (Mid-Intent) Get our complete website timeline breakdown, preparation checklist, and project planning template.
Option 3: Explore Project Examples (Low-Intent) See real timelines from projects like yours, including what went well and what caused delays.
Can you guarantee the timeline? We provide realistic estimates and hit them 90%+ of the time. Delays usually come from client-side factors (content delays, feedback delays, scope changes). We’ll be transparent about risks upfront.
What if the project takes longer than estimated? If it’s our fault (technical issues, resource problems), we absorb the cost. If it’s scope creep or client delays, we’ll discuss timeline and budget adjustments transparently.
Can I see progress during the build? Absolutely. You’ll have access to a staging site and Motion.io dashboard showing real-time progress. Weekly check-ins keep you informed.
What happens after launch? We provide 30-90 days of post-launch support (included). We monitor performance, fix any bugs, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Do you offer rush services? Yes, for an additional 20-30% fee we can compress timelines by assigning more resources. We’ll tell you upfront if it’s realistic for your project.
Ready to discuss your timeline? Contact us at contact@webxcell.com or call +44 800 195 7512. Let’s build your website on a timeline that works for your business.
Webxcell Digital | Nottingham | Birmingham | London 30 years of delivering websites on time.
What if I already have a website but don’t own it? We can help you recover ownership or rebuild with proper ownership from the start. [Learn about website rescue services →]
Do I need technical knowledge to own my website? No. Ownership means you have the legal rights and access. You can still hire us (or anyone) to manage the technical stuff. [See our management packages →]
What happens to my website if Webxcell goes out of business? Nothing—you own everything. Your website keeps running, and you can hire any developer to maintain it. That’s the point of ownership.
Can I make changes myself if I own it? Absolutely. We provide training and documentation. Make as many changes as you want, or hire us for updates at transparent hourly rates.
Is there any reason NOT to own my website? None. Any agency that says otherwise is trying to lock you in. Run.
Ready to own your digital assets? Contact us at contact@webxcell.com or call +44 800 195 7512. Let’s build something you actually own.
Webxcell Digital | Nottingham | Birmingham | London 30 years of building websites our clients actually own.
