How much does a website cost, and how long does it take?

Graphic of a calendar and clock, referring to the question "How long does it take to create a website?"

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When potential clients contact me about creating a new WordPress site, they usually ask at least one of these questions:

  1. How much will it cost?
  2. How long will it take?

In this post I’ll be sharing my answers to those questions, as well as an important follow-up question.

How much will you charge to create my website?

Before I give a quote, I ask a few questions of my own:

  1. What are your goals for your website?
  2. Who is your target audience?
  3. Are there any websites in particular that you like the design of? Why?
  4. What is your budget?

This last question isn’t a case of me setting the price based on your budget. It’s really about determining whether I can provide what you’re looking for at a price you can afford. If not, I’ll be honest and suggest some other options.

Once I have a good understanding of what’s needed, I can give a quote. I make it clear what your investment does and does not include, as clients often change their minds or come up with new ideas once a project is underway.

How long will it take you to create my website?

This second question is much more difficult to answer.

I’ve had relatively simple sites that took two years or longer to complete because my clients were so busy working in their business that they didn’t have time to focus on their business. As a result, they were unable to make timely decisions about design concepts or even finish writing their website content.

Sometimes it’s the exact opposite! I’ve completed sites for other clients, who had a clear vision and provided me with all their content ahead of time, in less than a month.

Most of the time, I spend about eight weeks on a new website, from start to finish. This allows us to work closely together and hold regular meetings to review progress and discuss next steps.

How can I ensure that my project is completed on time and within my budget?

If you’re concerned about getting value for your investment and not waiting forever for your site to be completed, I recommend that you read How to Communicate Effectively with Your Web Designer before you even begin making inquiries. Not only will you get a more accurate cost estimate, you’ll reap the benefit of a much quicker turnaround time!

Let’s Talk!

What was your biggest hurdle when you were planning your website?

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Casual Photo of Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay

I eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, cooking, watching movies, drinking tea, and spending time with my family.

Join the Conversation!

10 Comments

  1. Linda Samuels on May 1, 2023 at 10:26 am

    Creating or redesigning a website is a big project that requires thought and focus for the client and the web designer. While I began my business in 1993, my first website went live in 2001. Since then, I’ve redesigned, updated, or recreated it about 3 or 4 times. I always had a good sense upfront about the cost. It was a fixed budget and only required more if I added more to the scope. In terms of time, that varied. But generally, it took one to six months to get everything done. Some versions were more complicated than others.

    Having a good partner to collaborate with is vital. It’s wonderful that you provide that service to your clients. As you know, I use the SquareSpace platform, so I’ve never been able to tap you to help as you specialize in WordPress sites. But you’ve been helpful in analyzing my sites and giving me valuable feedback on ways to improve them. With my last redesign in 2020, your advice was integrated into some of the updates I made.

    • Janet Barclay on May 1, 2023 at 10:35 am

      Thank you for sharing your experience, Linda. It sounds like the timeframe for a website is similar, regardless of the platform being used.

  2. Seana Turner on May 1, 2023 at 11:10 am

    One thing I learned from you was how much was dependent on me up front. Once all the materials were gathered, the process went pretty quickly. Working with you was so great. I’d recommend you to anyone. 🙂

    • Janet Barclay on May 1, 2023 at 1:53 pm

      Thank you, Seana! You were great to work with too. 🙂

  3. Janet Schiesl on May 2, 2023 at 7:29 pm

    These are really great things to clarify before starting a website project. Wonderful advice and links to resources to read before even contacting someone to start a site for you.

  4. Julie Bestry on May 3, 2023 at 3:02 am

    You always tell us what we need to know. You’ve been peeking in the windows of my mind, haven’t you? I’ve had three different iterations of my website, which sounds like a lot until you realize I’ve been at this for 21+ years. I’m so overdue for the next update, but the cost (and effort) has me frozen in place.

    I’m curious whether, from a web designer’s perspective, if it’s easier to start with a blank canvas or create a new website when there’s already years of content already in existence.

    • Janet Barclay on May 3, 2023 at 10:05 am

      When the site is really old, I prefer to start with a fresh installation of WordPress. Blog posts and other content can be imported from the old site.

  5. Hazel Thornton on May 6, 2023 at 6:21 pm

    I’m excited that we’re working on a new website for me, Janet! I made so many changes on my own over the years that probably made you cringe, lol!

    • Janet Barclay on May 8, 2023 at 11:42 am

      Well, we don’t have to talk about that! 😀 But I’ve seen similar things happen on many websites, including my own probably. Everything needs to be re-organized eventually, as other things (business info, styles, technology) change!

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