FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to build a website?

A simple business site on a WordPress template takes 2–3 weeks. A site with a custom graphic design, dozens of subpages and integrations — 6–10 weeks. An advanced web application or online store — 3–6 months. The timeline depends on scope, project complexity and — something many people overlook — how quickly the client provides materials. In my experience, delays on the client side (copy, images, sign-offs) extend projects more often than technical issues.

Timeline — how long does each type of site take?

Type of site	Delivery time	What affects the timeline
Business card site (1–3 subpages)	1–2 weeks	Template availability, client content
Business website (5–10 subpages)	2–4 weeks	Graphic design, content revisions
Site with blog and CMS	3–6 weeks	WP configuration, categories, on-page SEO
Landing page + integrations	1–3 weeks	Forms, pixel, GTM, A/B tests
WooCommerce store (up to 100 products)	4–8 weeks	Payments, shipping, product descriptions
Large portal or application	3–6+ months	Custom UX/UI, backend, testing

Project stages — what happens when?

Every project goes through similar phases. Discovery and brief (1–3 days): a conversation about goals, target audience, competition and feature scope. The more detail at this stage, the fewer revisions later. Graphic design (UX/UI) — only for custom designs (1–2 weeks): wireframe mockups, Figma design, client sign-off. This stage is skipped with ready-made templates.

Development and configuration (1–4 weeks): WordPress installation or Next.js build, design implementation, plugin configuration, integrations. Content upload (in parallel or after): adding copy, images, on-page SEO optimisation. Testing and revisions (3–7 days): cross-browser, mobile, speed, forms. Launch and configuration (1–2 days): DNS, SSL, GA4, GSC, cache, backup.

What most commonly delays website projects?

From my experience: 70% of delays come from the client side, not the developer. Three main causes: no copy ready at project start (writing content after the site is finished is a mistake — copy determines layout and structure), long approval cycles for design proposals (2–3 rounds of revisions is normal, but each round takes a week instead of a day), and scope changes mid-project (the client "while we're at it" wants to add a store to a business site).

How to prevent this: prepare your materials (copy, photos, SVG logo) before signing a contract with a developer. Designate one decision-maker on your side who signs off on the design. Treat any scope changes as a separate task with a separate quote — not a "small addition".

Template vs. custom design — the difference in time and cost

A ready-made WordPress theme (Flatsome, Astra Pro, GeneratePress) shortens delivery time by 30–50% compared to a design built from scratch. Instead of 3 weeks on a Figma design, you choose a theme and adjust colours, fonts and layout. For a business that needs a site "yesterday" and does not have the budget for a custom design — this is the right choice.

A custom design makes sense when visual identity is strategically important to the brand, when the project requires non-standard layouts (interactive sections, animations, custom components), or when you need a look that clearly distinguishes you from competitors. A bespoke WordPress site takes longer but is an investment in a brand that serves you for years without the "looks like a template" label.

How to prepare for a project so it runs smoothly?

A checklist of materials you should have ready before the project starts: logo in SVG or AI format (not PNG with a white background), business photos (team, office, past work) — minimum 10–20 images at least 1,600px wide, copy for all subpages (at least a working draft), a list of subpages and navigation menu, examples of sites you like, access to your current domain and hosting, and login credentials for Google Analytics and Search Console.