I’ve worked with many local brands throughout the years, and a question I often get is: “Do you have a web design company to recommend? I’m trying to revamp my website/start a webstore.” This was especially prevalent during COVID, when brick-and-mortar stores were forced to pivot online. Even I started an online store.
Before I knew it, even readers slid into my DMs, asking me if it was difficult to start a blog, how to go about it, etc. As such, I’ve decided to compile a list of 7 web design companies one can engage for all things website/webstore related.
1) Reed Tan Digital
First on the list is Reed Tan Digital, the eponymous web design agency of – you guessed it – Reed Tan.
With capabilities across strategic branding, UX/UI design, and search engine optimization, Reed Tan Digital develop inspiring website designs that sell and convert. In particular, I like the brand’s focus on user experience. As a full-fetched marketing agency, they not only focus on making good designs but also understand the importance of funnel optimization and conversion tracking to achieve business goals. As the icing on the cake, Reed Tan Digital also provides lifetime free theme updates and WP Rocket caching plugin for their clients – what’s not to like?
2) Wondertabs
If you’re looking for affordable, customer-focused web design services, then Wondertabs represents a great value proposition.
Wondertabs takes a collaborative approach to website design, prioritizing client needs throughout the design process to meet the objectives and providing technical expertise to create websites that generate results. They also have a strong track record of completing many successful projects for both small and large companies, as well as prominent individuals with past clients including Fandi Ahmad, Kinto Singapore, Southland Global, YMC Singapore, WriteHaus Asia, Davis Guitar, and more. In particular, I appreciate how Wondertabs offers custom web designs with easy-to-use backend systems – no standard template here!
3) Exabytes
Third on the list would be Exabytes, who helped me build The Shiok Shop.
Exabytes is one of the largest web hosting companies in Singapore and Malaysia. They currently have a respectable 4.2/5 Google rating from over 500 reviews, and have been in operation for over two decades. While there are mainstream platforms such as Shopify around, the people at Exabytes (via its EasyStore platform) will actually help you design your webstore based on your requirements. It’s still based on templates – having a new webstore coded from scratch would cost a pretty penny – but you can relay your preferred aesthetic and the team will try their best to cater to it. For more details, do read my review of Exabytes here.
Those interested in engaging Exabytes for their services (they provide web domain, hosting, design and server services) can receive S$10 free credit on their first purchase, and get an additional 5% Rebate if a Business Mastercard is used during checkout. View Exabyte’s full range of services here.
4) Chillybin
Exabytes may have built the webstore, but it was Chillybin that helped me build the main Wah So Shiok website.
Chillybin is a website design agency that operates in both Singapore and Brisbane. In early 2020 (before COVID), Wah So Shiok was hacked, leading to articles plummeting in SEO. That was because I initially cheapened out by getting some random dude on Carousell to help me build my website for cheap, which resulted in a simple website that lacked basic security protocols. Determined not to make the same mistakes again, I hired Chillybin to resolve the hacking issue, strengthen the website’s defences, and even for a gentle design revamp. Their rates were pretty affordable as well, if I recall correctly. Overall, I must thank Chillybin for helping me get out of a pinch and laying the foundations for what Wah So Shiok is today.
5) Pixel Mechanics
During the pandemic, IMDA handed out the PSG Grant, which motivated many businesses to go digital by covering 80% of eCommerce development costs should they engage a pre-approved vendor (the grant is still available). One of the vendors that I regularly recommended to people was Pixel Mechanics.
Firstly, I liked the minimalist designs of Pixel Mechanics’ websites. They have worked with big brands from Nissin to iStudio, with the resulting websites looking slick and clean. They are also a one-stop shop, providing design services for websites, eCommerce, mobile applications, and even software development. Established in 2016, Pixel Mechanics currently has a stellar Google rating of 4.8/5, though with a relatively small sample size of fewer than 50 reviews.
6) Verzdesign
Another reputable pre-approved vendor would be Verzdesign.
Should you need an even wider variety of services, another hearty recommendation of mine would be Verzdesign. They offer web development services for websites, webstores and mobile applications, as well as copywriting, digital marketing (Facebook marketing, Google ads, etc) multimedia (logo design, video production, etc), consultancy services and even user experience services. Essentially, Verzdesign has a large and competent team that will be able to help you with every aspect of launching – and maintaining – a successful business. With over a decade of experience, Verzdesign currently commands a 4.6/5 Google Rating from over 200 reviews. Notable past clients include the likes of Singtel, SMRT, and even Gong Cha.
7) Awebstar
If your business is more technologically sophisticated, then consider engaging Awebstar.
Awebstar provides a myriad of advanced development services, such as Ruby on Rails, Bigcommerce and React Native development, chatbot systems, cyber securities penetration testing, and even NFT development services! You read that correctly – if you wish to develop an NFT collection for your company, you can engage Awebstar to transverse the metaverse for you. They also offer a variety of software services, including HR, Queue, Gym and Salon management systems, as well as an appointment scheduling system. If you’re running a medium or even large size enterprise, Awebstar has the tools available to help you scale your business to the next level.
Conclusion
That sums up this short listicle on the 7 best web design companies in Singapore. Whether you’re an individual looking to set up a blog, a retailer attempting to pivot online, or a medium-sized enterprise seeking to create an NFT collection, these companies provide the services necessary to achieve your goals. I learnt this in the early days of Wah So Shiok – do what you’re good at, and outsource things that are outside of your core competency. Instead of spending dozens of hours learning how to set up your own WordPress website/Shopify webstore, I recommend engaging a professional instead. It might be a tad costly (unless you use the PSG grant for an 80% subsidy), but it’ll definitely be worth it in the long run.
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.P.P.S: If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, on Instagram here, and on Youtube here.
P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
