Yes, with conditions. SEO can be considered for PSG funding in Singapore if the SEO is incorporated through 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.
How the PSG Grant Works
Before looking at whether your SEO scope qualifies, you should know what PSG actually is and what it covers.
PSG funds pre-approved, pre-scoped solutions bought from listed vendors. On the marketing side, this includes digital marketing packages, SEO, web development, CRM and e-commerce solutions. The defining feature is that both the solution and the vendor are approved in advance. So basically, you are choosing from a catalogue rather than commissioning a custom project.
According to EnterpriseSG, eligible SMEs receive up to 50% of qualifying costs. Each pre-approved package also carries its own cap set on its solution listing, so the package you choose determines your ceiling well before the annual cap comes into play.
Applications typically take around four to six weeks to be reviewed. The paperwork is comparatively light: a quotation from a listed vendor, your ACRA business profile, and an online submission through the Business Grants Portal.
PSG at a Glance
| What it funds | Pre-approved, pre-scoped solutions from listed vendors — digital marketing, SEO, web development, CRM, e-commerce |
| Support level | Up to 50% of qualifying costs |
| Cap | S$30,000 per company per financial year (1 April to 31 March) |
| Approval time | Roughly 4 to 6 weeks |
| What you need | Vendor quotation, ACRA profile, online submission |
| Best for | SMEs buying a defined marketing service now |
This is why PSG suits an SME buying a defined marketing service now, and why the eligibility questions that follow all come back to the same thing: the specific solution you are buying, and who you are buying it from.
Starting The Project After Submitting the Application
One key PSG guideline relates to when you make a commitment to the solution. Business organisations are expected to apply for PSG prior to signing any contracts or making any payments or deposits to the vendor.
You can start the project after submitting the application, before knowing the result. But there is a risk that if your application fails, you will have to pay for the project yourself since PSG will not come into play.
What SEO Work Qualifies for PSG?
SEO activities are deemed eligible provided they are included as part of the specified digital marketing solution purchased.
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?
A PSG Grant SEO application can fail if the service, vendor, or timing does not match the program’s requirements, so it is important to consider what doesn’t qualify for PSG or what can pose a risk of rejection to your application.
Work or Payment Before Application Approval
Although you may begin work after submitting, you should not sign or pay until the Letter of Offer arrives. Under the rules enforced by Enterprise Singapore, a company must not conclude a contract, pay money, or make any advance payment to the vendor prior to the official approval and issuance of the Letter of Offer (LOF). This will make your purchase ineligible for funding and will be a cause for rejection.
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
An SEO agency has to be an approved vendor. Both the vendor and the actual solution being offered must satisfy the required PSG criteria. It is best to confirm the actual PSG approval before entering into any arrangement.
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. Contact us today to learn more about the PSG grant and how you can use it for SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can PSG Be Used for SEO in Singapore?
SEO can 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 depends on 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 receiving the letter of offer. Although a project can be started upon lodging and before receiving approval, it just 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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