How long does a website design project typically take?

A website design project timeline depends on scope, complexity, and client responsiveness. A focused 5 to 10 page marketing website with a defined brand identity and available content typically requires 6 to 10 weeks from discovery to developer handoff. A 20 to 50 page site with a custom design system, multiple page template types, and e-commerce or CRM integration typically requires 12 to 20 weeks.

Client-side delays are the most common cause of timeline overruns: content not delivered on schedule, feedback rounds that take longer than the agreed window, or stakeholder availability gaps during review phases. Projects with a designated internal champion who has decision-making authority and can provide timely, consolidated feedback consistently complete closer to the estimated timeline than those without clear internal ownership.