Top 5 Mistakes Malaysian Businesses Make When Choosing a Web Designer (And How to Avoid Them)
But here comes the tricky part: choosing the right person to build it.
I see it all the time. A hopeful business owner—maybe running a cafe in Bangsar, a boutique in Penang, or a manufacturing plant in Johor—invests their hard-earned money into a new website, only to end up with something that doesn’t bring in customers, looks dated, or just plain doesn't work.
It’s frustrating, and it costs you money.
The good news? Most of these problems can be avoided by sidestepping a few common mistakes. Let’s break down the biggest pitfalls Malaysian businesses fall into and how you can steer clear of them.
Mistake #1: Picking the Designer Who is the "Paling Murah" (Cheapest)
We Malaysians love a good deal. Whether it's a "buy one, free one" at the supermarket or a discounted "kopi," we're wired to find the best price. But when it comes to web design, choosing the cheapest option is often the most expensive mistake you can make.
A super-low price usually means corners are being cut.
You might get a generic template: The designer buys a cheap theme, changes the logo and colours, and calls it a day. Your website will look like a hundred others and won't stand out.
Hidden costs will appear later: That RM1,000 quote suddenly balloons when you need an e-commerce feature, a contact form, or basic security.
The designer might disappear: Once they get your money, they become harder to contact than a celebrity.
What to do instead: Think about value, not just price. A slightly more expensive designer who offers a custom strategy, includes SEO basics, and provides solid support is a much better investment. Your website is your 24/7 salesperson; you don't want to hire the cheapest one, do you?
Mistake #2: Not Checking Their "Portfolio" (Past Work)
This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. You wouldn't hire a contractor to renovate your kitchen without seeing photos of their previous work, right? The same goes for a web designer.
But don't just glance at their portfolio. You need to dig deeper.
Is their style a good fit for your brand? If you sell luxury handmade leather goods, a designer whose portfolio is full of bright, playful websites for kindergartens is probably not the right match.
Do their websites actually work well? Click through their past projects. Are they easy to navigate? Do they load quickly? Do they look good on your phone?
Have they worked with businesses like yours? While not essential, a designer with experience in your industry will understand your customers and your goals much better.
What to do instead: Ask to see 3-5 examples of websites they are proud of. Better yet, ask for contact details of past clients. A quick chat with a previous customer will tell you everything you need to know about the designer's professionalism and reliability.
Mistake #3: Tolerating Poor Communication
From the very first email or WhatsApp message, pay close attention to how the designer communicates. This is a preview of what your entire project will be like.
Red flags include:
Late replies: Taking days to respond to a simple query.
Vague answers: Not clearly explaining their process, timeline, or what’s included in the price.
Using too much technical jargon: A good designer can explain complex ideas in simple terms you can understand. If they can't, they're either hiding something or not very good at their job.
A web design project is a partnership. You need a partner who listens to your vision, provides expert advice, and keeps you updated on progress.
What to do instead: Set clear communication expectations from the start. Ask them: "How often will we have updates?" and "What's the best way to reach you?" If their communication is poor before you've paid them, it will only get worse after.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Talk About SEO and Mobile-Friendliness
Here’s a hard truth: a beautiful website that no one can find is just a pretty (and expensive) online brochure.
Your website needs to be visible on Google. This is done through Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A good designer builds your site with SEO in mind from day one.
Equally important is mobile-friendliness. Take a look around you. How many people are on their phones right now? Most of your customers will visit your site on a mobile device. If they have to pinch and zoom to read your text, they'll leave and never come back.
What to do instead: During your first meeting, ask these two critical questions:
"How will you make sure my website is SEO-friendly so customers can find me on Google?"
"Will the website be fully responsive and work perfectly on all devices, especially mobile phones?"
If they can't give you confident, detailed answers, they are not the right designer for your business in 2025.
Mistake #5: Not Thinking About Long-Term Support
Your website is not a one-time project. It’s a living business asset that needs regular care. Software needs updating, security needs to be monitored, and you might want to add new content or features down the road.
What happens after your website is launched?
Who will you call if the site suddenly goes down?
Who will handle the technical updates to keep it secure from hackers?
Who can help you add a new page or a promotion banner for Hari Raya?
Many freelance designers or cheap agencies are only interested in building the site and moving on to the next project. They offer zero after-launch support.
What to do instead: Ask about their maintenance and support plans before you sign any contract. A professional designer or agency will offer monthly or yearly packages to handle all the technical stuff, giving you peace of mind and letting you focus on what you do best—running your business.
Ready to Build a Website That Actually Grows Your Business?
Choosing a web designer is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a gamble. By avoiding these common mistakes, you're already ahead of the competition.
Your website should be your hardest-working employee, bringing in leads and sales day and night. Don't settle for a designer who can't deliver that.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don't be. If you're ready to build a professional, high-performing website for your Malaysian business, let's talk. [Contact Us Today for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation!]
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