How Many Hours Does It Take to Build a Website?
Building a website can take anywhere from a few hours to several months, depending on factors such as complexity, functionality, and the tools used. Whether you’re using a website builder, a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, or developing a custom-coded website, the time investment varies significantly.
Website Development Time Breakdown
Simple Website (5–20 hours)
A basic site with a few pages (home, about, contact)
Uses a website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress templates
Minimal customization and no advanced functionality
Small Business Website (20–80 hours)
Custom design with a CMS like WordPress or Shopify
Includes multiple pages, blog functionality, and some integrations
Requires minor customization and branding work
Custom-Designed Website (80–200 hours)
Unique design with tailored branding elements
Custom development on platforms like WordPress, Webflow, or custom HTML/CSS
Advanced features like appointment booking, membership areas, or e-commerce
Large-Scale or E-Commerce Website (200–500+ hours)
Custom-coded solution or highly customized Shopify/WooCommerce store
Multiple integrations, custom plugins, or API connections
Extensive testing, SEO optimization, and security implementations
Factors That Influence Website Development Time
Content Creation – Writing, images, and videos can add significant time.
Design Complexity – A custom design takes longer than a template-based site.
Functionality & Features – More complex features require more development hours.
Revisions & Testing – Client feedback and testing cycles extend the timeline.
Experience & Tools Used – Experienced developers using no-code tools work faster than those coding from scratch.
Conclusion
For a simple website, expect a turnaround of a few days, while a complex business site can take weeks or months. If you need a website quickly, using a website builder or pre-designed template can drastically reduce the time required. However, for businesses needing custom features, investing the time in development ensures better functionality and performance in the long run.
