How long does it take me to design a website?
A common question I receive from clients enquiring with me about designing their website is ‘how long will it take?’.
The answer is a bit like asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’. There are many factors involved in a website design: from the type of website (ecommerce, informational, or a combination of both), to the readiness of your content, to how quickly you can supply feedback.
The stages of a website design
My website design process happens in stages. This ensures that projects run smoothly and efficiently, and that as partners, we are both clear about our expectations and the final result.
Stage 1: Enquiry, proposal, deposit and content supply
time to allow: 1-4 weeks
Project enquiry
After basic details about your project are collected, we have a phone call or video chat. Here we discuss what you want to achieve from your website design, and begin to get to know each other. It’s important to me that our working relationship feels like a good fit: trust and transparency is key.
Supplying a proposal (quote)
After our call, I customise a project proposal for you. The proposal outlines what I’ll do and how much it will cost, as well as my Ts & Cs regarding things like copyright and fee payment.
My website design fees are flat rate, so unless something extra is added on to the project mid-way through, you’ll know exactly how much to budget for. This part is obligation free and won’t cost you a thing.
Questionnaire
I usually supply questionnaire that helps me to understand your business, your design aesthetic, and to strategise your website’s design and functionality so it meets your audience’s needs.
Deposit payment
On acceptance of my proposal, we talk about the timeline for your project, and I supply a commencement invoice. You’ll have up to two weeks to pay your commencement invoice (50% of the total project fee).
As an independent graphic designer I manage several client project at once, as well as fielding new enquiries every day. When you pay the commencement invoice you secure your place in my queue.
Content supply
Words and images are obviously a big part of communicating your message to the right audience.
I am focused on the overall aesthetics and the functionality of the website, so it serves your website visitors. But you need to supply the content. This includes:
text for all the pages of your website
individual product descriptions (if applicable)
custom photography or product images
In my experience, waiting for a client to supply content is a common cause of delay to a website timeline. Photographers and copywriters, if you choose to use them to create your content, have their own time contraints – be sure to factor this in to your overall website launch timeline.
If you choose to DIY your text and images, that’s okay – I can assist to tweak and improve any text and imagery you supply. However, this may extend your project timeline.
When supplying your content, I’ll also need the following (as applicable):
your domain name (URL)
social media handles,
Google Analytics codes
mailing list account details
payment processing info
Supplying these details early means that integration of these services doesn’t hold up the website launch.
See also: ‘5 things I need before starting a website design’
Stage 2: Platform setup and design moodboard
time to allow: 1-2 weeks
Platform setup
I only build websites on Shopify or Squarespace.
Shopify is my recommendation for businesses that primarily sell products; while Squarespace works best for service-based businesses if your website is purely informational, or you have just a few products you want to sell.
During the Questionnaire & Strategy meeting in Stage 1, we will have discussed the functionality you want on your website. If you have chosen Shopify as your platform, I’ll propose some Shopify themes that suit your needs. Squarespace doesn’t have themes, so we can skip this step if you choose Squarespace.
Design moodboard
If you don’t have a clear design aesthetic for your business yet, I will create a moodboard that features colours, fonts, and graphics to communicate the visual ‘vibe’ of your website. You’ll give me feedback on this moodboard before I begin Stage 3.
Stage 3: Website design mockups
time to allow: 1-2 weeks
Using the content you supply in Stage 1, I’ll design flat mockups of only the most important pages on your website. This is typically the home page, about page, services or product page (as applicable). You won’t be able to click links or test functionality – this is about the visual aesthetic and the flow of information on the page.
You’ll have the opportunity to provide 2 rounds of feedback to these mockups to ensure you’re happy before the full website build commences.
Stage 4: Full website build
time to allow: 1-3 weeks
A website build can take a few days or a few weeks, depending on the complexity of its functionality and its content.
When undertaking the full website build, I’ll use the website design mockups you have approved in Stage 3 as the basis for all the other pages of your website. This ensures your website feels visually cohesive and consistent.
Your website is also built with a solid foundation of search engine optimisation strategies.
Stage 5: Testing, feedback and amendments
time to allow: 1-2 weeks
In this stage, your website will be fully built and visible online (but only with a password!). You’ll be able to use it like a website visitor and click links, read through all the text, test a product order or mailing list subscription. You’ll want to look at your website on different devices (mobile, desktop, tablet) and in different internet browsers (Chrome, Safari etc).
You’ll have the opportunity to provide 2 rounds of feedback & amendments during this stage to ensure you’re happy with how your website looks and functions.
Stage 6: Launch, training and handover
time to allow: 1-2 weeks
In this stage, your website will be ready to go live. I’ll guide you through the process of subscribing to the platform’s hosting plan (Shopify or Squarespace) and connecting your domain name, and then we remove any password protection.
After you have paid my completion invoice is paid, I transfer ownership of the website to you.
Video tutorials are provided so you feel confident managing and updating your website after the launch – or if you need help updating the website as your business grows, I’m only an email or phone call away.
An average website design timeline
As these stages set out, a website design can take between 6 weeks and 4 months (from initial enquiry through to website launch) depending on various factors.
My website design process is highly collaborative. I can’t create a functional website for your business without your input, feedback, and content! But this is what makes the process so rewarding – you are combining my expertise in design and website functionality, with the passion and knowledge you have about your business, your brand, and its audience.
Are you ready for a new website design on Shopify or Squarespace? Get in touch today!
