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

The short answer

These are typical timescales from the point the builder has everything they need. They're a guide, not a promise, and every provider works differently.

As an example of the last one, our own Starter sites are usually ready within about a week of getting your details, photos and logo, and Growth and Pro sites take two to three weeks because they have more pages. You can see what's included on our prices page.

What a build actually involves

1. Getting your details. Your services, the areas you cover, prices if you show them, opening hours, photos and your logo.
2. Planning the pages. A good local business site has a page for each main service and each main area you want work from. This is what helps you show up on Google for searches like "electrician in Poole".
3. Design. A ready-made style in your colours is quick. A bespoke design adds a round or two of feedback.
4. Writing. Clear, specific text for every page. This often takes longer than the design.
5. Setup. Domain, hosting, contact forms, Google Search Console, Analytics and your Google Business Profile.
6. Checks and launch. Testing on phones, checking every link and form, then going live.

What slows a website down

• Waiting for information. By far the most common delay. Photos and service details often take weeks to arrive.
• Domain access. If you can't remember who registered your domain, or the login belongs to an old supplier or a family member, that can take a while to sort out.
• Too many people deciding. If several people need to approve every page, allow extra time.
• Changing the plan halfway. Adding services or switching designs part-way through usually adds a week or more.
• Moving from an old website. Moving pages, setting up redirects and keeping your email working needs care, so allow a little longer.

How to get your website live faster

• Write a simple list of every service you offer and every town you want work from
• Pick 10 to 20 good photos of your work, your van or your team. Phone photos are fine if they're sharp and well lit
• Find your logo file, or decide whether you need one made
• Check you can log in to your domain account, or find out who can
• Make a note of anything you'd like the site to do, such as quote forms, online booking or a price list
• Agree who makes decisions, and reply to questions quickly

Launch is the start, not the finish

Google can find a new website within days, especially if it's submitted through Search Console. But ranking well for competitive local searches usually takes a few months of steady work: a properly set up Google Business Profile, a growing number of Google reviews, consistent listings and pages that answer what customers search for. That's why we include ongoing SEO work every month rather than handing over a site and walking away.

Websites for your trade

See what goes into a website for builders, tilers, plasterers, landscapers, electricians and heating engineers.

Questions

How long does a simple small business website take?

A simple site of 5 to 10 pages usually takes one to four weeks with a freelancer or pay-monthly provider, once they have your text, photos and logo. The biggest delay is usually waiting for that information.

How long does it take to show up on Google?

Google can find and index a new site within days, but ranking well for competitive local searches usually takes a few months of steady work: good pages, a Google Business Profile, reviews and listings.

Can a website be built in a day?

A basic one-page site can be, especially with a DIY builder. A site that brings in enquiries needs proper pages for each service and area, which takes longer to plan and write.

What can I do to speed it up?

Have your list of services, the areas you cover, a few good photos, your logo and your domain login ready before you start, and answer questions quickly.