How long does it take a beginner to build a website?

A typical website will take at least 14 weeks from inception to launch. This includes 3 weeks of discovery, 6 weeks of design, 3 weeks of initial development and 2 weeks of modifications. It could take a lot longer if you wait until the end to start writing content. In total, the process of designing and implementing a professionally created website could take between five and six months.

One way to create your website is through the use of a website builder. Using a website builder is the fastest way to create your website, and it's simple and easy for beginners. Using a website builder is an ideal option for those who want their website to be created as quickly as possible and who require a simple creation process with a template already in place. Most website builders also provide excellent customer help and support, should you run into any problems creating.

An alternative to using a website builder to create your website is to hire a website designer or design agency to do it for you. A simple 10-15 page website should take 4-6 weeks. This time frame assumes that it is a custom design. If someone tells you that they can create a website for you in a week, then it's not a custom design.

Modern websites often use several programming languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. For a relatively simple website to be coded from scratch, an experienced programmer should expect to spend between four and six weeks of time, approximately eight hours a day, on the project. To simplify the discussion, let's look at the time it takes to create a typical “brochure” website without any advanced functionality; just six different page templates that will be developed from custom web designs. WordPress is one of the most popular website builders out there, but it's a little more complicated than other builders like Wix or Squarespace.

Content: Before you start creating your website, you need to make sure that you actually have some content to go there. A month or two is pretty standard for site creation, but this could extend to three or even four if you make regular additions or changes. You don't need to know or use code, and instead, you can customize your website template with visual elements and drag-and-drop block builders. When you start looking at website builder templates, you'll find several options, and this would also be true for a custom site.

However, we'll provide you with some rough estimates of what it would take to create a standard business website, so you don't go empty-handed. Whether you're creating a personal site to share things with friends and family or a site for your business, you'll want to make sure it's done right. CMS engines such as Drupal, Shopify or WordPress help reduce development hours and reduce the cost required to create a website. For the same project, the developer's level of experience will have a big impact on the time it takes to complete the build.

Ruby Jones
Ruby Jones

Devoted internet expert. A 14-year veteran journalist who later became an entrepreneur and designer is now a content specialist and imaginative visual storyteller in New South Wales, Australia.