Many businesses wonder how long it will take to complete a site. The honest answer: it depends on what’s involved. Is it a build from scratch or a redo of an existing site? Is it an e-commerce site — which involves setting up an entire shop, cart system, and checkout — or your online brochure? Do your clients need a separate login portal, or will the owner be the only one requiring access?

Most importantly, your deadline needs a real conversation with the prospective designer. Is she just starting a handful of other site builds, or did you catch her when several projects just completed? Ask to have completion milestones set for various phases of the build — from design approval to testing and launch.

If she’s not available to meet your business deadlines, consider searching elsewhere for a designer who can deliver in your required timeframe. A designer who overpromises and underdelivers on timing will cost you more than just time.