Key Takeaways
Wondering how long does it really take to launch a small-business website? Plan for 6 to 10 weeks, broken into four phases: discovery, design, build, and launch. Most delays happen when content or approvals get stuck, not because of tech. Stay responsive and focused, and your site can go live faster than you think. Let’s Chat if you’d like help managing the timeline and building a site that actually grows your business.
If you’re like most small business owners I talk to, you’re juggling everything, marketing, service delivery, admin, and wondering: how long does it really take to launch a small-business website? You want something professional, but you also want it live soon, not “someday.” In this article, I’ll give you a no-jargon, phase-by-phase breakdown of the website process, what’s needed from you, and what realistic timelines look like (spoiler: it’s probably faster than you think, with the right help).
The 4 Phases of Building a Small-Business Website.
Most website projects follow this flow:
Phase | Typical Duration | Main Tasks |
Discovery | 1–2 weeks | Goals, branding, page planning |
Design | 2–3 weeks | Homepage layout, style choices |
Build | 2–4 weeks | Development, mobile setup, content |
Launch | 1 week | Testing, tweaks, go-live prep |
Total timeline: 6 to 10 weeks, depending on how quickly content and approvals move.
Phase 1: Discovery – Setting the Foundation (1–2 Weeks).
This is the kickoff where we get clear on what your website needs to do and who it’s for.
What happens:
- We chat about your goals, target audience, and what success looks like.
- You send your logo, brand colours, and any inspiration you like.
- We map out a page list (Home, Services, About, Contact, etc.).
What you need to do:
- Be available for one discovery meeting.
- Provide any branding or materials you already have.
Tip: Don’t overthink, clarity is better than perfection at this stage.
Phase 2: Design – Bringing It to Life (2–3 Weeks).
Now we create a homepage mockup or basic layout so you can see your new site before it’s built.
What happens:
- We design a custom or semi-custom layout based on your input.
- You give feedback and approve the look and feel.
- Fonts, colours, and style choices are finalized – To meet the expectations of the target audience.
What you need to do:
- Review mockups and send simple feedback (we’ll guide you).
- Approve the final layout before we begin building.
Phase 3: Build – Making It Real (2–4 Weeks).
This is when your website starts working behind the scenes.
What happens:
- We turn the design into a fully functioning website.
- We make it mobile-friendly and fast.
- Contact forms, email links, and menus are all set up.
What you need to do:
- Send your written content (we can help with this!).
- Approve pages once they’re ready to review.
Phase 4: Launch – Test, Polish, Go Live (1 Week).
The final stretch, testing, fine-tuning, and celebrating.
What happens:
- We test your site on phones, tablets, and desktops.
- We check links, forms, spelling, and speed.
- Once approved, we push it live!
What you need to do:
- Do a quick final review and say the magic words: “Go for launch!”
What Slows Things Down (and How to Avoid It).
Let’s be honest, these delays come up often:
- Content not ready.
- Feedback takes weeks.
- Missed emails.
How to stay on track:
- Set aside just 30 minutes a week to check in or review things.
- Use a shared folder or Proton Doc to gather content.
- Respond quickly to avoid bottlenecks.
A Solid Website Is Closer Than You Think.
So, how long does it really take to launch a small-business website? Realistically, you’re looking at 6 to 10 weeks, and most of that isn’t technical delays, it’s scheduling and approvals. If you can stay responsive and focused, your new site can be live and working for you in under eight weeks.
Want to get started the smart way?
👉 Let’s chat and we’ll walk you through timelines, content, design, and hosting, plus, we’ll keep your site backed up and updated every day so it stays running smooth after launch.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to launch a small-business website?
Most small-business websites take 6 to 10 weeks from start to launch. This includes planning, design, development, and testing, but the timeline depends heavily on how quickly content and feedback are provided.
What are the main phases of a website project?
There are four key phases:
Discovery: goals, pages, branding (1–2 weeks).
Design: mockups and style choices (2–3 weeks).
Build: turning the design into a working site (2–4 weeks).
Launch: testing, fine-tuning, and going live (1 week).What will I need to provide during the process?
You’ll need to:
– Share your logo, brand colours, and photos (if you have them).
– Approve designs or give feedback.
– Send content like service descriptions or your About page.
– Respond to check-ins to keep the project moving.What’s the biggest cause of delays in website projects?
Content delays and slow approvals are the top causes. When business owners are too busy to review drafts or submit content, the timeline gets pushed back.
I don’t have any content, can you help with that?
Yes! Many web designers (us included) can help you write your content or at least guide you with prompts and structure. This often speeds things up and results in a better site.
Can I launch a website faster than 6 weeks?
Yes, if everything is ready, content, branding, decisions, it’s possible to launch a basic, well-designed website in 3–4 weeks, especially if you’re using a streamlined process and a pre-built framework.
Do I need to be available throughout the project?
Not daily, but ideally you’ll check in weekly and reply to questions or reviews. Setting aside just 30–60 minutes a week can keep things moving smoothly.
What happens after the site launches?
You’ll need someone (or a service) to keep the site secure and updated. That means plugin updates, backups, and monitoring. We offer WordPress hosting that includes daily backups, updates, and support.
Do I need a domain and hosting before we start?
It helps, but we can guide you if you haven’t picked one yet. The site can be built on a staging area and moved to your domain once it’s ready.
Can someone manage the whole process for me?
Absolutely. Let’s Chat and we’ll guide you step by step, or take it off your plate completely, so your site launches on time, looks great, and works perfectly.
