Time to build your website.

How long does it take to create a website?

This is a loaded question, and unrealistic expectations on behalf of both the client and the interactive agency can lead to problems. But it’s also a common question, and not an unreasonable one.

A former boss of mine, when asked, “How long does it take to complete a project?” answered, “How big is a brown suit?” The client and I looked at her like she was crazy. What did a brown suit have to do with this assignment? She went on the explain to the client (and me) “It depends. Any project is dependent on time, money, and quality. Pick one. Whatever priority you choose has a direct impact on the others.”

It’s good advice. We all want high quality. Nobody would say otherwise. But let’s face it – quality suffers in a compressed timeframe. Compromises sometimes must be made to meet tight deadlines. It’s the old story of the immovable object and the irresistible force. Something’s gotta give. So let’s apply this thinking to your next web project.

A friend recently confided that he is starting a side hustle as a life coach - and had contracted with a freelancer to build his website. He paid them in full upfront, and nine months later, the site still isn't close to ready. It's a simple, single page "about me" site.

Ouch.

Contrast that with another friend who I recently helped create his site - nothing fancy, just a simple e-commerce site - and we turned it around in 24 hours. The difference was clear communication from the get-go.

So how long should it take? (Hint: 24 hours is unreasonable. Nine months is ridiculous.)

Certainly, a completion date is dependent on the complexity of the website, as well as a myriad of variables, like the number of pages, the technology utilized, e-commerce capabilities, SEO needs, etc. And let’s not forget other external factors that can delay the process – scope changes, approval delays, unforeseen emergencies, and more.

If you have a tight time frame, you can usually expect to pay more. Everything costs more when you are in a hurry. You have less time to source options, and often employees have to work overtime, which comes at a price. Another cost is the risk of sacrificing quality. You can’t expect to rush a project on an accelerated schedule and not have mistakes slip through. Plus, most of us produce better work without a looming deadline clouding our good judgment.

Whether your priority is time or money, taking the time to sit down with your creative partner to do a little planning up front can save you lots of time and money down the road.

• Be clear about your desired outcome. A clear objective clears the path, and keeps everyone focused on the same goal. (And make sure someone puts it in writing.)
• Establish a communication channel. It usually works best when there is a single point of contact on both the client side and the agency. 
• Know your absolute, can’t compromise, must-haves. And be realistic. As my mother taught me, you can’t have everything. The rest of the stuff can become the nice-to-haves.
• Know when you can and can’t be available for approvals. This allows your agency to manage workloads more effectively and use time more efficiently.
• Understand scope creep. In most cases, adding on that “one little thing” can have a huge downstream impact on time and budget. It’s okay to change your mind, but accept that it may come at the cost of time and money.

Sure, you can use one of those web-based companies that promise instant turnaround but their cookie-cutter templates will make you look like everyone else who uses the same service. And you’ll never see anyone from the company. You get what you pay for. 

So, how long does it take to create a website? It all comes down to this: whenever possible, give your partners the time to do the job right. Your website will be the first impression your business gives to most customers. It’s important enough to take the time to get it done right.

Unlike the time (20 minutes) I took to bang this article out.

(And in full disclosure, I still don't have my own site. Sigh.)