The verdict in three sentences
In 2026, plan 3-5 weeks for a brochure site, 6-10 weeks for e-commerce and 8-14 weeks for an institutional site. Delays rarely come from the agency: in over half of projects, content delivery and client sign-offs move the schedule. If you are aiming at a trade show six weeks out, a brochure site is achievable provided you deliver copy and visuals in week one.
How long each type of site takes
Here are realistic 2026 durations by project type, assuming content arrives on time.
| Site type | Realistic timeline | Express (surcharge) | Client content required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-page landing | 7-10 days | 4 days | Low |
| 5-8 page brochure | 3-5 weeks | 2 weeks | Medium |
| Premium 10-page | 5-6 weeks | 3-4 weeks | High |
| E-commerce, 50 products | 6-10 weeks | 5 weeks | High |
| Marketplace | 12-20 weeks | not advised | Very high |
| Institutional 15-30 pages | 8-14 weeks | 6 weeks | Very high |
Express mode adds a 15-30% surcharge because it prioritizes the team and compresses validation cycles.
Project phases and where delays hide
A web project is not a straight line. Here is the typical split for a 5-week brochure site and the choke points.
| Phase | Typical duration | Owner | Delay risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping & sitemap | 3-5 days | Agency + client | Low |
| Content delivery | 5-10 days | Client | Very high |
| Design mockups | 5-7 days | Agency | Medium (revisions) |
| Build & dev | 7-10 days | Agency | Low |
| QA & fixes | 3-5 days | Client + agency | Medium |
| Go-live & training | 1-2 days | Agency | Low |
The key tip: prepare your content before you even sign. A client arriving with copy, logo and photos ready can save one to two weeks overall.
Mini case study
Mark, managing director of a construction firm, wants a site ready for a trade show six weeks away. He picks an 8-page brochure site, realistic timeline 4-5 weeks. Because he supplies copy and 20 job-site photos on day 2, the agency finishes the design in 6 days instead of 10. Result: site delivered in four full weeks, leaving two weeks of buffer to test the quote-request form. His booth displays a QR code to the site and collects 34 qualified leads during the event.
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FAQ
Can I really get a site in 2 weeks?
Yes for a landing or small brochure site in express mode, with a 15-30% surcharge and content delivered immediately. A 2-week e-commerce or institutional build is not realistic.
What delays projects the most?
Content delivery and validation cycles. A one-week client delay mechanically shifts the whole chain, because phases run sequentially.
How do I hit a tight trade-show deadline?
Sign at least 6 weeks out, deliver content in week one, appoint a single decision-maker to approve quickly, and freeze the scope (no mid-project additions).
Does the timeline include training?
Yes, admin training (half a day) happens at go-live. Budget 1-2 days for go-live and training combined.
What if I change my mind mid-project?
Each major scope change adds days and sometimes a change order. Better to scope tightly up front and reserve enhancements for a phase 2.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your deadline (show, launch), the site type and the state of your content, and we will build a realistic milestone plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. 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.
