We get asked if our services are covered by government grants all the time.

We’re glad to say they aren’t.

But before you close this window, hear us out on why we don’t think the digital marketing grants are actually good for you.

  1. Cookie-cutter approach

    If you’re wondering why many of the SME websites look similar, it’s because they’re all done by a single agency (with the help of the government grant) who’s main KPI is to churn out as many websites as possible. Hey so as long as you have a functional website, the job’s done. But no! We beg to differ. A website says a lot about you. Your credibility, your brand’s personality, the type of customer you want to work with. In this case, bad publicity isn’t better than no publicity.

    We had a potential client who decided to take up a grant instead, 6 months later their website looks exactly the same, except for the logo of the grant partner on the bottom right. No brand refresh, same dated website, wasted time.

  2. Upfront payment, 70% grant reimbursement 6 months later.

    Due to the nature of the schemes, clients are often required to pay the full cost of the project, and then be reimbursed later. It’s not ideal in terms of cashflow for a small business. Note: There are some vendors that will allow you to pay the upfront payment in instalments or even have their own methods to do away with the upfront payment but see Point 3.

  3. Inflated costs = You actually pay the same price with us

    Previously we spoke to a fellow digital marketing company regarding their costs charged to the customer for SEO - $1,000 per month for a minimum of 3 months. A year later, they were on the government panel for grants. Their revised costs - $10,000 for 3 months of SEO. After the 70% reimbursement, real cost to the customer - $1,000 per month for 3 months. Let’s do the math here ;)


    So no, we don’t think grants are all that great.

    Before you embark on your digital branding project with your

However, if you’re willing to undertake a whole digital transformation project under the Capability Development Grant (CDG), our services are covered by this.