How Long Does It Take to Build a Small Business Website?

A realistic timeline for a small business website, stage by stage, plus the things that speed a project up and the things that slow it down.
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I design and build websites for small businesses in Surrey and across Canada.

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Most small business websites I build take between three and eight weeks from the first call to launch. That’s a wide range, and the difference almost always comes down to scope and how quickly content and feedback come in.

Here’s what happens at each stage, so you know what to expect.

Stage 1: Discovery (a few days)

We talk about your goals, customers and services. I review your current site if you have one, and look at competitors in your area. You get a clear scope and price.

Stage 2: Structure and content (about one week)

I plan the sitemap, which pages exist and how they link together. Then the content: either I write it, or I edit what you send. This step is where most delays happen, so starting early helps a lot.

Stage 3: Design (one to two weeks)

I design the homepage first, since it sets the visual direction. Once you’re happy with it, the rest of the pages follow the same system. Revisions happen here.

Stage 4: Build (one to three weeks)

The approved design gets built on Webflow, Framer or WordPress. I set up forms, on-page SEO, page titles, meta descriptions, analytics and anything else in scope.

Stage 5: Review and launch (a few days)

We test everything on phones, tablets and desktops. Forms get tested. Links get checked. Then the site goes live and I submit it to Google Search Console.

What speeds things up

  • Having your logo, photos and service details ready.
  • One person who gives feedback and approves.
  • Replying to questions within a day or two.
  • Keeping the first version focused, then adding extras later.

What slows things down

  • Content arriving late.
  • New pages or features added halfway through.
  • Lost access to the domain or hosting.
  • Several people giving different feedback.

Can it be done faster?

Yes, for a focused site. A single landing page or a small Framer site can go live much sooner when content is ready. Tell me your deadline on our first call and I’ll be upfront about whether it’s realistic.

Getting ready to start? Use my pre-project checklist, then get in touch.

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