The verdict in three sentences
Timeline depends mostly on project type: a few days for a landing page, a few weeks for a showcase site or store, a few months for a custom platform. The number-one cause of delay is almost never the developer: it is content and approvals on the client side, which stretch the schedule by 30 to 50%. A well-scoped project, with copy and photos ready at kickoff, ships at the low end of the range.
Timelines by site type in 2026
Realistic ranges from kickoff to go-live, with content delivered on time.
| Site type | Realistic 2026 timeline | Pages / scope |
|---|---|---|
| Landing page | 3 to 7 days | 1 page, 1 goal |
| Showcase site | 2 to 4 weeks | 5 to 10 pages |
| E-commerce | 4 to 8 weeks | catalog + payment |
| Marketplace | 8 to 14 weeks | multi-vendor |
| Custom platform | 8 to 16 weeks | specific features |
The phase-by-phase schedule
Typical split of a showcase or e-commerce project, as a share of total time.
| Phase | Share of time | Expected deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping & design | 20 – 25% | Approved mockups, sitemap |
| Development | 35 – 40% | Working site in staging |
| Content integration | 20 – 25% | Copy, photos, products online |
| QA & testing | 10 – 15% | Fixes, payment tested |
| Go-live | 5% | Site in production, training |
Causes of slippage and standard payment plan
Delays almost always share the same causes. Anticipate them with a clear payment schedule.
| Cause of delay | Impact on timeline | Countermeasure |
|---|---|---|
| Content delivered late | +30 to 50% | Provide copy/photos at kickoff |
| Approval back-and-forth | +1 to 2 weeks | One designated approver |
| Scope changes | +2 to 4 weeks | Frozen specification |
| Wave/OM payment testing | +2 to 5 days | Test accounts ready |
Standard 2026 plan: 30% deposit at start, 40% at staging approval, 30% at go-live.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Ibrahim, a restaurant owner in Dakar, wants a showcase site with menu and booking. Quote at 450,000 FCFA, timeline stated at 3 weeks. He provides his photos and copy on day one and names his sister as sole approver. Result: delivery in 18 days, at the low end of the range. His neighbor, who sent content piecemeal over three weeks, got the same site in 5 weeks — that is 75% more time for an identical project.
FAQ
Why is my site taking longer than planned?
In 8 out of 10 cases it is content: copy, photos, logos and product sheets delivered late. That single factor adds 30 to 50% to the initial schedule.
Can a showcase site be delivered in one week?
A landing page yes (3 to 7 days). A true 5-to-10-page showcase site needs 2 to 4 weeks for design, development and QA.
How long for an e-commerce store with Wave and Orange Money?
Budget 4 to 8 weeks in 2026. Integrating and testing mobile payment adds 2 to 5 days of dedicated webhook QA.
How does project payment work?
Standard 30/40/30 plan: 30% at signature, 40% at staging approval, 30% at go-live. It aligns both sides' interests.
What happens if I change my mind mid-project?
A scope change adds 2 to 4 weeks and an amendment to the quote. Hence the importance of a frozen specification before development.
Let's talk about your project. We'll set a realistic timeline together with clear milestones and a controlled payment schedule. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
