The verdict in three sentences
A B2B brochure site typically ships in 6 to 10 weeks; a content-rich institutional site in 10 to 16 weeks. The critical path is almost never development but content and mockup sign-off on the client side. Book your agency slot 4 to 6 weeks before your desired kickoff, especially if you are chasing a non-negotiable trade-show date.
The typical brochure-site plan (London, 2026)
Here is the realistic phase breakdown. Content is produced in parallel with design/build so it never lengthens the critical path.
| Phase | Duration | Deliverable | Who signs off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery | 1 wk | Site map, brief | Leadership |
| UX / wireframes | 1-2 wk | Zoning, journeys | Marketing |
| UI design | 2-3 wk | Approved mockups | Leadership + marketing |
| Build / dev | 2-3 wk | Site on staging | Project manager |
| Content | 1-2 wk (parallel) | Copy, visuals, SEO | Marketing |
| QA & launch | 1 wk | Site in production | Everyone |
| Total brochure | 6-10 wk |
Institutional: same skeleton, stretched
| Phase | Brochure | Institutional |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | 1 wk | 2 wk |
| UX / wireframes | 1-2 wk | 2-3 wk |
| Design | 2-3 wk | 3-4 wk |
| Build | 2-3 wk | 3-5 wk |
| QA | 1 wk | 1-2 wk |
| Total | 6-10 wk | 10-16 wk |
The slippage factors (and their cost in weeks)
Timelines slip for predictable reasons. Price them in from the start:
- Content not ready: +2 weeks on average. The number-one cause of delay.
- Mid-project scope additions: +15 to 30% (an added e-commerce page, a configurator...).
- Long approval cycles: each unplanned mockup round costs 3 to 5 days.
- Third-party integrations (CRM, booking): +1 to 2 weeks if access arrives late.
- Translations: +1 week per extra language.
A 15% buffer on the total and a scope freeze after mockup sign-off are the two levers that save a trade-show date.
Mini case study
Sarah, COO of a manufacturing SME in London (32 staff), wants an 8-page brochure site live before a 15 October show. Counting backward: QA 1 week, build 3 weeks, design 3 weeks, UX 2 weeks, discovery 1 week, so 10 weeks + 15% buffer = 11.5 weeks. She must sign by late July. By preparing content during discovery (instead of waiting for the build), she saves the classic +2 weeks and hits the date with 5 days to spare. Cost of the avoided delay: a missed show is worth tens of thousands in lost pipeline.
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FAQ
How long for a B2B brochure site?
Between 6 and 10 weeks for 5 to 10 pages. A 3-week express build exists but sacrifices bespoke UX and SEO depth.
Why does my project take longer than planned?
In 60% of cases it is client content (copy, photos, approvals) that is not ready. Development is rarely the bottleneck.
When should I contact the agency before a show?
At least 4 to 6 weeks before your desired kickoff, because good agencies have a backlog. For an October show, start the consultation in June or July.
Can content be produced in parallel?
Yes, and it is recommended: preparing copy and visuals during design avoids adding 2 weeks to the critical path. Include a content workstream if your teams are stretched.
How do I secure a non-negotiable date?
Freeze scope after mockup sign-off, add a 15% buffer, and book approval slots in calendars ahead of time.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target date (show, launch), page count and integrations: we build a realistic reverse plan with buffer. 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.
