One of the most common questions asked by Singaporean business owners is: “How much does it cost to build a corporate website?” The answer depends on a range of factors including scope, complexity, features, and the agency or freelancer you choose. In this article, we break down the cost components to help you understand what you’re paying for.
1. Freelance vs. Agency: A Major Cost Factor
Hiring a freelancer is typically cheaper, with rates starting from $800 to $3,000 for a simple website. Agencies, on the other hand, can charge from $5,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the scale. While freelancers offer affordability, agencies provide a team-based approach, including designers, developers, UX strategists, and project managers.
2. Scope and Complexity
Basic corporate websites with 5-7 static pages (Home, About, Services, Contact, etc.) are relatively affordable. If you need additional features like blog sections, multilingual support, integrations with CRM or ERP systems, or advanced animations, expect the cost to increase significantly.
3. Design Customization
A template-based design costs less (starting around $1,000) but offers limited branding. Fully custom designs start at $3,000 and can go up to $20,000+, especially if branding and UX research are included.
4. Content Creation
Do you already have content, or will the agency create it for you? Copywriting, image sourcing, and even video production are additional services. Copywriting for a 5-page corporate site may add $500 to $2,000, while corporate video production can start at $3,000.
5. CMS and Backend Functionality
Using a CMS like WordPress is common and cost-effective. Custom backend systems or enterprise CMS platforms like Sitefinity or Drupal can add to costs due to licensing and complexity. Expect to pay more if your site needs client portals, employee dashboards, or secure logins.
6. Hosting and Maintenance
Annual hosting and maintenance can range from $100/year (basic shared hosting) to $3,000+/year (dedicated servers and managed services). Most Singapore companies opt for managed hosting for speed and reliability.
7. SEO and Digital Marketing
Initial SEO setup, keyword research, and on-page optimization usually cost between $500 and $2,000. Ongoing SEO or Google Ads management is a separate cost but often bundled with corporate web design packages.
8. Timeline and Urgency
Need your website in 2 weeks? Urgent projects often cost more. A standard corporate website project takes 4 to 8 weeks. Agencies may charge a rush fee if deadlines are tight.
9. Government Grants (e.g., PSG)
Singapore’s Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) can subsidize up to 50% of your web design costs if you engage a pre-approved vendor. This can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
10. Estimated Cost Ranges
| Type of Website | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Basic Informational Site | $800 – $3,000 (freelancer) |
| Custom Corporate Website | $5,000 – $20,000 (agency) |
| Large Enterprise Portal | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
Conclusion
The cost of a corporate website in Singapore varies widely, but investing in quality design and functionality pays off in brand perception and lead generation. Businesses should start with clear goals, prepare a detailed brief, and compare multiple quotes before committing to a vendor.
