How Long Does a Website Redesign Take: Step-by-Step Timeline
You love your business and offers, but you feel embarrassed about your website and wish it would help you meet your goals. If this sounds familiar, it might be time for a redesign. But how long does a website redesign take? The short answer: anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
The timing for a website design project depends on your goals, prep work, and whether you’re DIYing or hiring a pro. Fortunately, a clear plan makes the entire website redesign process smoother, faster, and way less stressful.
As a website designer, I’ve helped amazing service providers and small business owners refresh or rebuild their sites – from quick makeovers to full, custom redesigns. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what impacts the website redesign timeline, what to expect at each stage, and how to plan for your own project.
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What factors influence website redesign timeline?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a redesign takes, most website redesigns fall between a few weeks and a few months. The total time depends on your specific project and how quickly feedback and content are delivered if you’re working with a professional.
It’s also important to factor in prep time – the stage before design work even begins. Gathering content, completing onboarding steps, and finalizing brand details can take up to a few weeks.
Need help with prepping for your redesign? I’ve got you.
Let’s take a look at the biggest factors that shape the website redesign timeline:
Project scope and goals
Are you simply making a few visual updates or starting completely from scratch? A simple refresh might wrap up in a few weeks, while a full rebuild with new branding, copy, and functionality can take several months.
Website size and complexity
It goes without saying a five-page website will likely move a lot faster than a 30-page site. The more pages, features, and integrations you have, the longer it’ll take to design, test, and launch everything.
Prep and organization
Prep and organization can be a sneaky time-suck as you need to gather copy, photos, and brand assets. However, this step is key to a smooth redesign process. Tools like Trail Mix: Your Site Prep Kit can help you gather everything you need before you redesign a website.
DIY vs. professional support
DIY projects often take longer since you’re wearing all the hats, while hiring a designer lets you hand off the project and move through a structured process. If you want a balance between the two, you could consider a guided program like Website Wayfinder, which gives you the clarity and confidence to create a strategic site you’re proud to show off.
Onboarding and communication
If you decide to hire a designer for your redesign, their onboarding process and communication also affect the redesign timeline, so be sure to ask what this looks like. Organized onboarding means fewer delays during the project.
I give clients two to three weeks for onboarding and content collection with a step-by-step dashboard. This way, they’re not spending every waking minute on it, but things move along efficiently.
How long does a website redesign take? Realistic Timelines
Timelines can vary based on your goals, content readiness, and how quickly you or your designer move through each stage. The timeline examples below can give you an idea of what to expect, including prep and onboarding time, so you can plan realistically.
Up to a month: quick refresh or light redesign
If you already have solid branding and copy in place, a simple website refresh might be all you need. Within a month, you can have a site that wows your right-fit clients. This is what my Spruce-Up Sprint offer is all about. I take what’s already working and turn it into a smoother, more conversion-focused experience.
A light redesign might include new photos, style panel updates, or improved visitor flow – without rebuilding from scratch. Think of it as giving your site a little makeover to make it feel fresh again.
One to two Months: fuller redesign or brand refresh
Is your site mostly functional but feels a bit outdated or inconsistent with where your business is now? A fuller redesign or brand refresh can help create a polished brand experience that you’re excited to share with the world.
If your website needs SEO-driven copy, updated branding, or more structural changes, plan for a one- to two-month process. This is what I offer with my Northstar Site Solution, a done-for-you semi-custom Squarespace site that focuses on strategy – and turning visitors into paying clients, of course.
Two to six months: full custom redesign or DIY project
A full website redesign, which might involve custom coding, new copy and strategy, and advanced integrations, typically takes anywhere from two to six months. Full custom redesigns are my jam because they mean creating a magical client-converting experience and making your life a helluva lot easier.
If you’re going the DIY route, you can usually expect a similar or longer timeline. With this, you’re balancing design, copy, and tech setup – plus your day-to-day business tasks. Website Wayfinder can help bridge that gap with a small-group approach where you write, build, and launch your site alongside other business owners and yours truly as your guide.
How long does a website redesign take? FAQs
How long should a website redesign take?
A website redesign usually takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the project’s size, goals, and how much prep you’ve done. A smaller refresh might wrap in a few weeks, while a full, custom redesign with new copy and branding can take up to six months. DIY redesigns can also take longer than if you hand the project off or work alongside a professional designer.
How much does a typical website redesign cost?
The cost of a website redesign usually ranges from around $1,500 to over $10,000, depending on your website’s size, the design changes, your designer's experience, and additional integrations. While this range can feel overwhelming AF, it also means there are redesign options to fit almost any budget.
Can I redesign my own website?
While you can definitely redesign your own website, it does require time, an eye for design, and a lot of patience. Many professional designers, including myself, can meet you where you are with DIY, DWY, and DFY design support.
How long does a website redesign take? Conclusion
Whether your website needs a quick makeover or a full overhaul, knowing what to expect helps you plan with confidence.
A successful redesign isn’t just about new visuals. It’s about creating a site that fits where your business is now and supports where it’s going next.
Before you dive into the website redesign process, take time to prep your content and get organized. The Trail Mix Kit walks you through exactly what you’ll need to gather, refine, and organize before you start redesigning.
