---
title: How long does it take to build a website for a small business?
source: https://rubradigital.com/answers/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-website
site: Rubra Digital
language: en
description: Typical timelines for a small business website, from first call to launch, and the things that actually cause delays.
updated: 2026-10-08
topic: websites
also_asked: How fast can I get a website online? | How long does a website redesign take?
---

# How long does it take to build a website for a small business?

**Summary:** A focused small business website usually takes three to six weeks from agreeing the scope to launch: about a week for structure and design, two to three weeks for build and text, and a week for checks, legal pages and launch. Larger multilingual sites or sites with booking or quote systems take six to ten weeks. The most common cause of delay is not the build but waiting for text, photos and decisions from the business.

## A typical timeline

1. **Week 1: scope and structure.** What the site must do, which pages it needs,
   and what text and photos exist.
2. **Weeks 1 to 2: design.** Shown on a phone first, then desktop, and agreed
   before build starts.
3. **Weeks 2 to 5: build and text.** Pages, forms, booking or quote flows, and
   the copy, drafted with you.
4. **Final week: checks and launch.** Speed, mobile, accessibility, legal pages,
   consent, redirects from any old site, Google Business Profile and Search
   Console.

## What causes delays

- **Text.** Writing about your own business is harder than it looks. Having the
  copy drafted for you, then correcting it, is much faster.
- **Photos.** Good photos of your work, your team and your premises make a
  bigger difference than any design choice. Book a photographer early if you
  need one.
- **Access.** Domain, hosting and Google accounts often belong to someone who
  left years ago. Start finding the passwords on day one.
- **Decisions by committee.** One person who can say yes keeps things moving.

## Can it be faster?

Yes. A one-page site with existing text and photos can be live in a week or two.
It is a sensible way to start when the alternative is having no site at all.

---

Source: https://rubradigital.com/answers/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-website
Rubra Digital. Websites, online shops, SEO and workflow automation for small businesses in Portugal, since 2019.
Contact: hello@rubradigital.com