Hello everyone,
Since we've been in business the first thing... other than cost, timing is probably the most frequently asked question when building a website.
 | Most people (understandably) have never been involved in building a site, and have no idea what goes into the process or how long it takes. Expectations are all over the map, but generally the consensus is "I'd like it done as soon possible." We can estimate how long our design part is going to take, but it's very difficult to estimate how long a client will take to do their tasks. We understand the delays, and can work around them. But it's important for the client to understand them as well, so their expectations on project turnaround will be better informed. |
#1 Reason More Time is Needed?
After all is said and done, what is the #1 reason a project takes time? In my experience, it's waiting for content or images from the client. Someone has to write the copy, approve the design, take the photos. With small and medium-sized websites, that someone is usually the client.
But the client already has a full-time job, and not always enough time in the day for writing or approving content. So delays are often introduced, where certain features or designs can't be completed without a clear picture of the content to come.
So to give you a ballpark idea of how long it will take, let's just look at a "typical" small to medium sized website.
But the client already has a full-time job, and not always enough time in the day for writing or approving content. So delays are often introduced, where certain features or designs can't be completed without a clear picture of the content to come.
So to give you a ballpark idea of how long it will take, let's just look at a "typical" small to medium sized website.
Small sites 5-10 pages 2-4 weeks
Site redesigned 3 wks l www.nationaltire.ca Small sites can be defined as websites with 10 or fewer pages, typically with a home page, about us, services or capabilities, work samples, and a contact page. Maybe a small blog or photo gallery as well. Like this one for www.nationaltire.ca
We can and have done them in 1-2 weeks. I admit that this requires the client to have everything ready to go from the moment the project begins; content written, pages planned out, photographs chosen, etc. But even with all your ducks in a row, is this enough time to do a good job?
In my experience, even the small sites take more than a couple weeks. There's still some planning that goes on, and time is needed for good design and development. If we're treating each client as unique (and we do), we need time to reflect on your needs, your target audience, your industry and competitors, your messaging, and so on.
We can and have done them in 1-2 weeks. I admit that this requires the client to have everything ready to go from the moment the project begins; content written, pages planned out, photographs chosen, etc. But even with all your ducks in a row, is this enough time to do a good job?
In my experience, even the small sites take more than a couple weeks. There's still some planning that goes on, and time is needed for good design and development. If we're treating each client as unique (and we do), we need time to reflect on your needs, your target audience, your industry and competitors, your messaging, and so on.
Medium and eCommerce Sites 2-4 months
 3.5 months to design l www.shopmodni.com | These sites typically have numerous sections in the navigation, with dozens of pages found inside categories and subcategories. At this point, it's not really the number of pages involved, but rather the amount of content, products and types of features offered that makes it a medium-sized site. Many eCommerce sites are medium-sized, as are corporate sites, nonprofits, and clothing sites, like this one we just launched for www.ShopModni.com. Check it out... they're offering 15% OFF their whole site right now. |
These sites should take, at a minimum, 3 months
 4 months to design l www.pinnaclegrouprem.com | There's often a longer planning process, with attention paid to content planning, wireframes, competitive analysis, and information architecture, all before the design phase even begins. Multiple designs, mockups of different interior sections, and client feedback with revisions all follow, with the development and testing stages typically worked on for weeks afterwards. Custom features require additional hours. A usability process and testing across multiple browsers takes time. (Note that some or all of these tasks can also be part of small sites as well) |
Again, we want to know any particular time-sensitive goals of the client, and we can accommodate these goals. But not at the sacrifice of quality!
Egami keeps a clear set of high quality standards...
Even if the client isn't clear what they want, there's still one set of expectations to meet... Our own. I as the owner of Egami Creative, have a clear set of high quality standards and expectations that I'm holding my company to when we build a website.
The design has to be professional, interesting, and appropriate for the target audience. The code has to be well-written, standards compliant, and semantic as possible. The features have to work or degrade gracefully across a range of popular browsers and adapt to all mobile devices.
The design has to be professional, interesting, and appropriate for the target audience. The code has to be well-written, standards compliant, and semantic as possible. The features have to work or degrade gracefully across a range of popular browsers and adapt to all mobile devices.
Most importantly... EXCEED THE CUSTOMERS EXPECTATIONS!
Well, I hope that helps answer your question on "How long it takes to get a Professional Website Designed" and if you'd like to learn more about getting a one, please email me directly at lisam@egamicreative.com or call 604.619.9336 and we'll setup a meeting to discuss your website and when you'd like it launched.
Cheers!
Cheers!
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