In today’s digital landscape, a well-designed website is not just a luxury but a necessity for businesses looking to thrive online. It serves as a virtual storefront, shaping first impressions of your brand and driving sales or enquiries. In Singapore, the cost of website design can vary widely depending on several factors, from the complexity of the site to the service provider you choose. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of website design prices in Singapore to help you make an informed decision.
Factors Influencing Website Design Costs in Singapore
Website design projects can range from simple, small business sites with a few pages to extensive e-commerce websites with thousands of products. Naturally, this would result in varying price points. Below are the main factors that influence how much a website design project might cost.
Size & Complexity of the Website
The cost of a website is significantly influenced by its size (the total number of pages) and complexity. A simple, informational site with a few pages will cost far less than a feature-rich e-commerce platform. The more pages a website needs, and the more intricate the design and functionality, the higher the cost.
Type of Website
Basic Websites such as simple, small business websites or personal/portfolio websites are generally the least expensive, as they often have fewer pages and simpler designs.
Corporate Websites typically fall in the mid-range, focusing on brand representation and informational pages about the company and services provided.
Example of a corporate website built by OOm’s team: The Lab
E-commerce Websites tend to be more expensive due to the need for product catalogues, shopping carts, and payment gateways.
Example of an e-commerce website built by OOm’s team: Droit SG
Design Customization
Websites can also be built using pre-designed templates or fully customised designs from scratch. Templates are cost-effective and suitable for smaller projects, while custom designs, though more expensive, provide a unique and tailored user experience that aligns perfectly with a brand’s identity.
Functionality and Features
Additional features such as booking systems or e-commerce functionalities can increase the costs. Each added feature, especially if complex, may require more development time and expertise, which translates into higher expenses.
Experience and Reputation of the Design Agency
The expertise of the design agency also plays a role. Established agencies with a strong portfolio and proven track record often charge more. However, their experience typically ensures higher quality, reliability, and long-term value.
Comparison of Website Design Costs
| Website Built By | Typical Price Range |
| DIY with Website Builders (Wix, Shopify) | SGD$227 – $470+ per year (Recurring) |
| Freelancers | SGD $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Web Design Agencies | SGD $3,000 – $10,000+ |
DIY Website Builders
DIY platforms such as Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify present an appealing option for those seeking an affordable solution to meet basic website needs. These platforms offer a variety of pre-designed templates and intuitive drag-and-drop tools, making it accessible for users without the technical skills to create a website.
| Platform | Subscription Cost |
| Wix | From SGD$227/year* |
| Squarespace | From SGD$260/year* |
| Shopify | From SGD $470/year* |
*Subscription price recurs for as long as the website is live
However, while these platforms promote ease of use, the process can be more time-consuming and challenging than it appears, especially for first-timers. Users often need to dedicate significant amounts of time to learning how to use the platform. Moreover, building a fully functional website may take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the site and the user’s familiarity with web design.
Customisation is another critical limitation. The templates provided may not offer the flexibility needed to fully align with your branding or need for functionalities. Furthermore, without a solid understanding of web design best practices—such as appropriate image sizing, user experience (UX) principles, and overall design aesthetics—the final website may lack the professionalism and effectiveness of a custom-built site.
Pros:
• Cost-effective
• Accessible for non-technical users
Cons:
• Requires a learning curve and time investment
• Limited customization options
• Potentially lacks professional polish
• May fall short in quality
• Subject to platform restrictions and limitations
Freelancers
Freelancers typically charge between SGD $1,200 – $4,000, providing a cost-effective, middle-ground option for smaller projects. However, there are often reported challenges with freelancers, who are often based overseas. These challenges may include poor communication and a lack of dedication to fully meeting client requests. The quality of the final product often hinges on the freelancer’s experience and commitment, with no guaranteed standards. Additionally, freelancers usually work independently or with minimal support from other professionals, such as developers, which can limit the range of functionalities they can effectively handle.
Pros:
• Less time-consuming than DIY Websites
• Lower cost than agencies
Cons:
• Potential reliability issues
• Quality may vary
• Limited scope and capabilities
Web Design Agencies
Example of a website built by OOm’s team: SpaceRoam
Web design agencies, while pricier (ranging from SGD $3,000 – $10,000+), offer more reliable services and a higher guarantee of satisfaction and quality. Agencies typically have dedicated teams of professionals who handle everything from design to development (Developers, designers & other support functions). This allows:
- Greater customisation in design, ensuring the website aligns with the business’s branding and unique identity.
- A larger scope of functionalities to meet specific business needs
- Alignment with industry best practices, ensuring the website is not only visually appealing but also technically sound and compliant with the latest UX & SEO standards.
With a comprehensive team that includes a dedicated account manager for each client, agencies provide personalised and attentive service, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering a final product that meets or exceeds client expectations.
For example, here are some of our basic website standards at OOm Web Design & Development service.
| Website Standards | OOm Web Design & Development |
| Modern, Brand-aligned Design We create visually engaging websites aligned to your brand identity | ✔ |
| Optimised for User Experience (UX) & Conversions Website layouts are user-friendly to ensure a positive browsing experience and include strategic elements to drive conversions (Sales, enquiries), such as ca sales, sign-ups, or inquiries. | ✔ |
| SEO Friendly Structure Each website is built following best SEO practices so that search engines can easily access your content | ✔ |
| Fast Loading Speeds Websites are designed to minimize load times, reduce bounce rates, and prevent potential lost sales due to slow pages | ✔ |
| Responsive design Websites adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes, from mobile phones to desktop computers. | ✔ |
| Google Analytics Setup Complimentary setup & linking of website to Google Analytics, providing valuable data on your website visitors. | ✔ |
| Easy-to-Manage Backend Dashboard We develop a user-friendly backend that allows you to easily update your website’s content without needing specialized technical expertise & complimentary training on how to use it. | ✔ |
View: Our Website Portfolio.
Pros:
- Expertise: Dedicated professionals covering all aspects of design and development.
- Best Practices: The website is certain to follow best practices on user experience (UX).
- Ongoing Support: More dedicated support through the process and after the website is live.
- Comprehensive Scope: Able to accommodate more complex functionalities & customisations.
- Satisfaction & Quality: Higher guarantee of a professional outcome.
Cons
- Requires higher investment than freelancers or DIY websites
FAQs
How much would a website for my business cost with your agency?
Our web design charges vary significantly depending on its purpose (e.g., services vs. e-commerce), the number of pages, and the level of customisation required. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts for us to provide a tailored quote.
How long does it take to design a website?
It typically takes 12-16 weeks, depending on the project’s complexity and scope.
Can I update my website after it’s built?
Yes, websites today are typically built with a CMS that allows for easy updates.
What is the PSG Grant, and how can I apply?
The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG Grant) is a government initiative to help SMEs adopt IT solutions, including website development. Learn more about the PSG grant in our easy-to-understand guide. Eligibility criteria and application details are available on the Go Business PSG Solutions page.
Takeaways
Investing in a website is a significant decision that impacts your business’s online presence and growth. Whether you choose a DIY builder, freelancer, or agency, it’s crucial to balance cost with long-term value. Engaging an agency may involve a higher upfront investment, but it generally provides more comprehensive support, better quality assurance, and greater peace of mind.
Do you want a strong website to give your brand the best chance of success? Explore what OOm’s web design and development service can do for your business or contact us today for a free quote.
About OOm
OOm has been a leading digital marketing agency in Singapore since 2006, with expertise in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing to website design and development. Our clientele comprises small and medium businesses (SMEs) to enterprises.
OOm has won over 30+ marketing awards for the results we have delivered to clients over the years, including ‘Agency of the Year’, ‘Lead Generation Agency of the Year’, ‘Independent Agency of the Year’, ‘E-Commerce Marketing Agency of the Year’, ‘Excellence in Search Marketing, ‘Excellence in Performance Marketing’ to ‘Excellence in Data-driven Marketing’ among others. OOm is also a Google Premier Partner (reserved for the top 3% agency partners in Singapore), as well as an official Meta Business Partner.
SMEs in Singapore may qualify to receive up to 50% subsidy of our services under the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), for which OOm is a pre-approved vendor for Digital Marketing and E-Commerce solutions.
