When planning a new website, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: “How long will this take?” It’s a smart question—and one you should always ask before hiring a designer or developer.
Whether you’re preparing for a product launch, a seasonal campaign, or simply want your new site live ASAP, having a clear, realistic timeline will help you align your website goals with your broader business plans.
Why Timelines Matter
A great website isn’t just about good design—it’s also about good planning. Your site build will go through several stages: strategy, design, development, content input, testing, and launch. Knowing what to expect at each step helps you prepare your content, provide timely feedback, and avoid delays.
You should always ask your designer:
- What is the estimated timeline for each phase?
- Can you meet my ideal launch date?
- How many projects are you juggling at once?
- What happens if I need to launch sooner?
These questions help you understand your designer’s bandwidth, communication style, and how flexible they can be with your schedule.
Our Standard Timelines
At Chico Web Design, we’ve built everything from simple brochure sites to complex custom applications. Based on our experience, here’s what you can expect:
- Small to mid-sized websites (5–20 pages):
Typically take 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish. This includes strategy, design, development, and final launch. - Larger or more complex websites (20+ pages, e-commerce, or custom integrations):
Can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on features, content readiness, and feedback turnaround. - Custom web applications or software tools:
These projects are more intensive and can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete. They involve detailed planning, user interface design, custom database architecture, and extensive testing.
If you have a specific deadline (like an event or product launch), we also offer expedited services for an additional fee. Just let us know upfront so we can structure the project accordingly.
Staying On Track
We believe in clear communication and milestone planning. Each project includes:
- A shared timeline with deliverables and review dates
- Regular check-ins to keep things moving
- A clear launch process so there are no surprises
We also only take on a limited number of projects at a time. That means your site gets the attention it deserves—without being put on the back burner.
Time is Money!
What If I Need Ongoing Help?
Once your site is live, you’re not left in the dark. For most WordPress sites, we build using Elementor, an intuitive drag-and-drop builder that makes it easy for you to make changes yourself. We even include a custom video tutorial showing you how to log in, edit pages, and update content.
Prefer to have us handle changes or updates? No problem—we offer support and edits at our hourly rate. And for more technical custom sites or web apps, we’ll explain which areas are editable and which ones we’ll need to maintain for you.
A well-built website is an investment—but it shouldn’t be a mystery. By asking the right questions upfront and choosing a web team with a clear process, you’ll avoid delays, reduce stress, and launch with confidence.
Ready to get started? Reach out today to check availability and book your project into our upcoming schedule. 530.893.5257
Get a free quote HERE.