Yes, with conditions. SEO can be considered for PSG funding in Singapore if the SEO is incorporated within a pre-approved digital marketing solution provided by a pre-approved vendor. It should be noted that the PSG grant does not always apply to any SEO project, agency, or marketing cost.
When looking for PSG grant options for SEO, it is important to focus on the approved solution rather than assume that every SEO project is covered. The scope you will be quoted should be based on the pre-approved package and PSG criteria. Learn more about it in this article.
What SEO Work Qualifies for PSG?
SEO activities are deemed eligible provided they are included as part of the specified digital marketing solution to be purchased. Depending on the approved package, some of the activities improve a business’s organic search visibility.
For example, an eligible solution may cover:
- Technical SEO: Improvements that help search engines crawl, index and understand important website pages.
- On-page SEO: Optimisation of page content, headings, metadata and other on-page elements.
- SEO content: Creation or improvement of content designed around relevant searches and customer intent.
- Off-page SEO: Eligible authority-building activities included within the approved solution scope.
- Google Business Profile optimisation: Local search work may be included where it forms part of the approved package.
The important distinction is that the activity itself is not enough to establish eligibility. Businesses need to ensure that the work is included within the pre-approved solution itself that they are seeking rather than considering PSG to be a general subsidy for all SEO services.
What Doesn’t Qualify for PSG?
In fact, sometimes, it’s equally important to know what is not covered by the grant in order not to make mistakes. A PSG Grant SEO application can fail if the service, vendor, or timing does not match the program’s requirements.
Work or Payment Before the Application
A company must not conclude a contract, pay money, or make any advance payment to the vendor prior to applying for the PSG grant. This will make your purchase ineligible for funding. And even if the work starts after you apply but before you get an answer, your purchase will be at risk.
Renewals of an Existing Service
PSG is designed to assist in the uptake of eligible products and not just a subsidy for an existing service. Therefore, the renewal of an SEO or digital marketing service currently being offered by the business may not qualify as a PSG-eligible expenditure.
Upgrading an Existing Package
The fact that an organisation wants to improve its existing service by using a bigger and costlier package does not mean that the purchase would automatically be considered a new PSG-eligible purchase. It is essential to check if the improvement will be in accordance with the grant terms of the current purchase.
Advertising and Media Spend
Management of SEO or other services in the field of digital marketing in an eligible solution will be different from the expenditure on direct media and advertising costs. Media and ad spend should not be assumed to qualify simply because campaign management forms part of a digital marketing package.
Services From a Non-Approved Vendor
The selection of an SEO agency cannot necessarily be considered PSG eligible. It is important that both the vendor and the actual solution being offered satisfy the required PSG criteria. It is best to confirm the actual PSG approval before entering into any arrangement.
The Rule Most PSG Applications Fail On
Another one of the key PSG guidelines relates to when you make a commitment to the solution. Business organisations are expected to apply for PSG prior to signing any contracts, payment, or deposit to the vendor.
Once the application process has been completed, it is then left to the business organisation to start the project even before knowing the result. But the danger here is that if your application fails, you will have to pay for the project yourself since PSG will not come into play.
The safest thing for a business organisation to do regarding PSG for SEO is to first make sure of the solution and the vendor and then submit the application. And wait for approval before committing financially or starting the project.
What Do You Need From Your SEO Vendor?
Your SEO supplier must ensure that it is clear what you are applying for. Prior to submitting your application, ensure that you have:
- A detailed quotation: A quote which provides information regarding the solution, scope and cost.
- The exact pre-approved solution reference number for the SEO or digital marketing solution.
- Confirmation of the vendor’s listing: Verification from the vendor to prove that they are listed as an authorised vendor offering the approved solution.
Ensure that the quotation and proposed scope of the SEO project match the solution you are applying for. Clarify any information which you do not understand—especially if it pertains to extra services and advertisement cost.
Explore PSG-Supported SEO Options
An SEO investment can be made easier for Singaporean SMEs through PSG as long as it is an eligible one depending on what solution the company opts for.
In case you are interested in applying for a PSG grant for SEO services, you can take the services of Leading Solution, which will help you navigate the whole process seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can PSG Be Used for SEO in Singapore?
SEO may indeed be subsidised under PSG if the SEO services fall under a pre-approved digital marketing solution by the vendor. Prior to application, businesses must ensure the legitimacy of the vendor and the digital marketing solution.
How Much PSG Support Can a Business Receive for SEO?
Singapore-eligible SMEs can receive up to 50% PSG funding for qualifying costs. This is dependent upon the qualification of the business as well as the approved solution.
Can I Claim PSG for an Existing SEO Contract?
As a rule, PSG cannot be used to pay for a renewal of any existing service. In case your company has an agreement on SEO services, you need to ensure whether the proposed one is PSG-covered before signing a renewal contract.
Can Google Ads or Advertising Spend Be Claimed Under PSG?
One should not think that advertising expenses will be automatically covered by PSG just because marketing services are covered. The management and advertising spending are separate expense categories.
Can I Pay My SEO Agency Before PSG Approval?
No. You should never enter into an agreement and make payment before lodging your PSG application. Although a project can be started upon lodging and before receiving approval, this means you have taken the risk of failure in the application.
Does Every SEO Agency Qualify for PSG?
Not all SEO agencies can qualify for PSG. Just because you are hiring an SEO agency, it doesn’t mean that you are automatically going to get the service supported under PSG.
What Should I Prepare Before Applying for PSG for SEO?
First, get the right quotation from your vendor and confirm which pre-approved solution it is that you are buying. You will also need to check the listing of your vendor and ensure that the quoted SEO scope matches the solution.
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