How much does it cost to design a website in Malaysia?

So, you’re thinking about getting a website designed?

Maybe it’s time to launch your small business or revamp your old website.

First things first, how much will it cost to design a website in Malaysia?

Well, buckle up, because the price can range wildly, and that’s not always a bad thing.

Let me take you through it in a way that makes sense.

The Real Price Range for Website Design in Malaysia

When you ask how much it costs to design a website, you’re looking at prices that can range anywhere from RM1,500 to RM50,000 or more. Sounds insane, right? But it really depends on what you need.

Type of Website	Estimated Cost (RM)
Simple Business Website	RM2,500 – RM5,000+
Custom Corporate Website	RM5,000 – RM20,000+
E-commerce Website	RM10,000 – RM30,000+
High-End, Custom-Built Platform	RM30,000 – RM100,000+

If you’re looking for something basic like a small informational website, maybe just a few pages to tell people who you are and what you do, you’re probably looking at the lower end of the spectrum. A cost to design a website like that typically sits between RM2,500 and RM5,000. It’s the digital equivalent of a business card, neat, functional, and straight to the point.

Now, if you want something with more custom features, like a website that really reflects your brand personality and has interactive elements, you’re looking at a price range from RM5,000 to RM20,000. This level of website shows your brand’s character and gives your visitors a richer experience, and naturally, the cost to design a website with custom features climbs.

But let’s not forget e-commerce websites, which are a whole different ball game. If you’re thinking about launching an online store, expect the cost to design a website like that to sit somewhere between RM10,000 and RM30,000. Managing products, integrating payment gateways, handling shipping options, all of that needs extra time and technical work.

Finally, for large corporations or established brands that require a sophisticated website, think multiple layers of functionality, user portals, integrations with CRM or ERP systems, you’re looking at a cost to design a website upwards of RM30,000, sometimes reaching RM100,000 or even more.

Bottom line? The cost to design a website in Malaysia really depends on what you’re asking for, how simple or complex your project is, how custom you want it to look, and what kind of features you need.

What Affects the Cost of Website Design?

The cost of website design is influenced by several factors, including the type and complexity of the website, level of design customization, number of pages, features and functionality needed, whether content creation is required, and ensuring mobile responsiveness.

More complex, customized websites with advanced features typically cost more due to the extra time and expertise required.

Factor #1: Type and Complexity of the Website

A simple 5-page website with a homepage, about page, services page, blog, and contact form will obviously cost much less than a full-blown e-commerce platform with hundreds of products, user login systems, order tracking, and live chat support.

The more complex your needs, the more time and expertise are required, the higher the cost to design a website. It’s a bit like asking a tailor to make a basic T-shirt versus a three-piece suit, both are clothes, but the amount of work is very different.

If you want something simple, you’re looking at a smaller bill. If you want something with custom functionality, then be prepared to pay more.

*Custom Vs Template Web Design. Credit:* *Total Web Design*

Factor #2: Design Customization

Another big one: how custom you want your website to be. If you’re okay with a pre-made template where a few colours and images are changed to match your branding, the cost to design a website stays pretty manageable. A template-based website is going to be much cheaper, as it’s quicker to put together.

However, a custom design means that everything from the layout to the colour scheme to the typography is unique to your brand. If you want a 100% unique, from-scratch design that no one else has, a website that feels like an extension of your brand DNA, then you’re paying for a designer’s creativity, time, and experience. And that adds up.

Factor #3: Number of Pages

Think of a website like a house. The more rooms (pages) you need, the more time and effort it will take to build, which means higher cost to design a website. If you need a basic 5-page website, you’ll pay less. But if you need 30+ pages (say, for an e-commerce website with detailed product descriptions, FAQs, customer reviews, etc.), the price will go up.

Factor #4: Features and Functionality

Let’s talk features. Websites today aren’t just pretty pictures. They need to do stuff. Contact forms, booking systems, payment gateways, custom applications, each one adds a layer of complexity to the design. If all you need is a simple contact form, great, that’s basic, and it won’t add much to your cost to design a website.

But if you want features like payment systems, booking forms, customer accounts, interactive maps, or custom-developed apps, well, that’s a whole different story. Those involve backend development work. The more functionality you add, the more you’ll pay for it.

And trust me, good backend developers are worth their weight in gold, but they don’t come cheap.

Factor #5: Content Creation

Here’s something many people overlook: content creation. A lot of businesses think, “Oh, we’ll just write the content ourselves.” Sounds simple, until you sit down to actually write it, then suddenly you realize it’s a lot harder than it looks. Some web designers will provide content, like writing your website’s copy, sourcing photos, and making videos. If you already have all your content prepared, great, it will save you money. But if you need your web designer to handle writing your website copy, sourcing images, editing videos, or designing infographics, it adds to the overall cost to design a website.

But here’s the thing, professionally done content makes a world of difference to the final product.

Factor #6: Mobile Responsiveness

In today’s mobile-first world, there’s no excuse for a website that doesn’t look good on smartphones and tablets. Building a website that’s fully mobile-responsive takes extra time in design and coding, especially since mobile-friendly websites are absolutely crucial in 2024. And yes, it does add to the cost to design a website. But it’s worth every cent, because mobile traffic now makes up the majority of web browsing.

Website Design Packages: Understanding What You Get

You’ll often see agencies offering packages like Basic, Standard, and Premium. These packages are a handy way to give you a ballpark figure for the cost to design a website, but it’s important to understand what you’re actually getting.

Package Type	Typical Cost (RM)	What’s Included	Good For
Basic Package	1,500 – 3,000	1-4 pages, template design, basic contact forms, mobile responsive, basic SEO	Startups, personal projects
Standard Package	5,000 – 20,000	5-15 pages, semi-custom design, extra forms, social media integration, standard SEO	SMEs, growing businesses
Premium Package	20,000 – 50,000+	Fully custom design, advanced functions, e-commerce setup, content creation, comprehensive SEO, training sessions	Retail brands, online shops
Custom Quotation	Varies (RM50,000++)	Tailored design, complex functionalities, full flexibility based on needs	Corporates or brands with very specific requirements

Let’s say you choose the Basic Package. For RM1,500 to RM3,000, you’re getting a 1 to 4-page website, a template design, basic contact forms, mobile responsiveness, and maybe some basic SEO setup. This is the bare minimum, just enough to get you online.

If you want something more advanced, you might go for a Standard Package (RM5,000 to RM20,000). Here, you’ll get 5-15 pages, semi-custom design, additional forms, some social media integration, and standard SEO optimization. This is typically the choice for small businesses that need a solid web presence without going overboard.

Then there’s the Premium Package (RM20,000 to RM50,000+), where you get a fully custom design, advanced functionality, possibly an e-commerce setup, comprehensive SEO, content creation, and even training sessions. This package is for businesses that want to stand out and invest in a high-quality, high-performance website.

That said, if your needs don’t fit neatly into a package, most agencies will happily give you a custom quote, and that’s where you can really tailor the cost to design a website based on your exact requirements.

Hidden Costs You Should Know About

The worst thing you can do is assume that the quoted price is the only cost. There are often hidden charges that will crop up, and trust me, they can add up. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

Domain name: You’ll need to pay around RM70 to RM150 per year to secure your website’s domain, depending on the extension (eg. .com, .sg, .co). Some agencies include this in their package, but don’t assume.
Hosting: Websites need a home. Hosting costs can vary from RM300 (basic shared hosting) to RM10,000+ (cloud or dedicated server) per year, depending on your site’s traffic and performance needs.
SSL certificate: If you’re handling sensitive customer information, an SSL certificate is a must. It usually costs RM0 to RM600 per year (sometimes free if you host with certain providers).
Maintenance: Websites need ongoing maintenance, updates, security patches, and sometimes even fresh content. Maintenance can range from RM200 to RM5,000+ per month.
Content updates: If you need regular content updates, such as blog posts or product additions, that will cost extra. Budget for it if you’re planning on updating your website regularly.
Plugins and extensions: Some websites need additional functionality, like custom contact forms or booking systems. These often come with a yearly license fee of RM800 or more.

Always ask potential web designers if these costs are included in their quotes or will be billed separately. For more details on ongoing costs, check out our guide on how much website maintenance costs.

DIY or Professional Design, What’s Best for You?

So, you’ve heard of DIY website platforms like Wix, WordPress, and Shopify. They make building a website sound easy and cheap, and yes, you can probably create a website for as little as RM0 to RM500 per month using these tools.

DIY Website Platforms	Hire Professional Web Designers
Cheap upfront	Costs more but saves time
Steep learning curve	Done by pros
Limited design	Fully customisable
You do all the work	They do the heavy lifting

But here’s the catch: while DIY websites are cheap upfront, they often end up costing you more in terms of time, effort, and limitations. You’ll need to learn how to use the platform, customize it, and troubleshoot if something breaks. Plus, your website might look generic and lack that professional polish.

On the other hand, hiring a pro means you get a fully custom, professional website that works perfectly across all devices, loads fast, and actually drives business. Yes, it’s more expensive, but for most businesses, the long-term value outweighs the initial investment. If you’re curious about why many free website options ultimately disappoint, read our article on 5 ugly truths of getting a free website.

How to Choose the Right Web Design Partner

Finding the right web design company is key to getting the best value for the cost to design a website. Here’s what to look out for:

Check Their Portfolio
Look at their past projects to see if their design style matches your brand vision. A good portfolio shows versatility, attention to detail, and mobile-friendly designs.
Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
Real feedback from previous clients can give you a clear picture of the company’s reliability, communication, and overall service quality.
Ask About Their Process and Timeline
A professional agency will have a clear project flow, from planning to launch. Make sure their estimated timeline fits your business needs.
Understand Their Post-Launch Support
After your website goes live, you’ll need ongoing updates and support. Check if they offer maintenance packages or ad-hoc support services.
Confirm All Costs Upfront
Ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs, including design, development, hosting, and future maintenance. Transparency is crucial to avoid hidden fees later.
Ensure They Understand SEO Fundamentals
Good web design isn’t just about looks. It should also follow basic SEO best practices like fast loading, mobile optimization, and clean coding to help your website rank better.

Our guide on how to choose a web development company in Malaysia provides more detailed insights to help you make the right choice.

Getting the Most Value From Your Website Investment

To maximize the value of your website investment:

Be clear about your business goals before approaching designers
Prepare your content in advance (saves time and money)
Prioritize features based on business impact
Consider a phased approach for complex sites
Don’t skimp on hosting quality
Plan for regular maintenance and updates

Remember that your website is an investment, not just an expense. A well-designed site can generate returns far exceeding the initial cost to design a website. For insights on how websites can boost your business, read about why having a corporate website is essential.

Building for Future Growth

When budgeting for your website, consider your future needs:

Will you need to add e-commerce capabilities later?
Are you planning to expand content significantly?
Might you need multilingual support?
Will you integrate with other business systems?

Building with these possibilities in mind can save substantial costs down the road. For a deeper understanding of what functions matter most in a website, check out our article on website functions which are the most important.

If e-commerce is in your future plans, you might want to explore how much an e-commerce website costs to better prepare your budget.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the cost to design a website in Malaysia helps you make informed decisions about your online presence. While prices vary widely based on your specific needs, quality web design is an investment that can significantly impact your business growth.

For most businesses, budgeting RM5,000 to RM20,000 for initial design and development, plus ongoing maintenance costs, provides a solid foundation. Complex projects or specialized needs will naturally increase this budget.

Remember that the cheapest option rarely delivers the best value.

Focus instead on finding a web design partner who understands your business goals and can create a website that effectively supports them.

A well-designed website isn’t just a digital business card, it’s a powerful tool that can drive growth, establish credibility, and connect you with customers.

Make sure your investment in web design reflects the importance of this critical business asset.

FAQs About Website Design Costs in Malaysia

How long does it take to build a website in Malaysia?
Simple websites can be completed in 2-4 weeks, while complex projects may take 3-6 months or longer.

Is WordPress cheaper than custom-coded websites?
Generally yes. WordPress sites typically cost 30-50% less than fully custom-coded solutions in Malaysia.

How much should I budget for website updates?
Plan for spending 15-25% of your initial build cost annually on updates and improvements.

Do Malaysian web designers handle SEO?
Many offer basic SEO setup, but comprehensive SEO services are usually separate. For deeper SEO insights, check out our article on creating SEO-friendly websites.

What’s the difference between web design and web development costs?
Design focuses on visual elements and user experience, while development involves coding functionality. Comprehensive services include both.

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