In Malaysia, Google dominates the search engine market with over 95% market share.
Gaining visibility is crucial, as businesses lacking a presence on Google risk being overlooked by potential customers.
Google Ads plays a pivotal role in achieving this visibility for various entities, including e-commerce stores, real estate listings, and service providers like content or online marketers.
As advertising costs increase in sectors like finance and property, making the right choice between hiring a Google Ads freelancer or an agency becomes crucial.
This guide will break down the benefits, challenges, and costs of both options, helping you decide the best path for your business.
Table of Contents
Hiring a Google Ads Freelancer :The Cost-Effective Approach
A freelancer is an independent digital marketing expert who specialises in Google Ads services. Freelancers generally work independently, often from home or their own small business.
Pros of Hiring a Google Ads Freelancer in Malaysia
- Cost-Effective: Freelancers usually offer more affordable rates compared to agencies. Their overheads are minimal, meaning they can pass the savings onto you.
- Direct Communication: You’ll communicate directly with the freelancer managing your Google Ads campaigns, which means a more hands-on approach and clear understanding of your needs.
- Flexibility: Freelancers are often open to working on short-term projects, making them ideal if you need to scale campaigns quickly or have a fluctuating budget.
Cons of Hiring a Google Ads Freelancer
- Limited Capacity: A freelancer can only handle a certain number of accounts or clients, so if they’re overloaded, your campaigns might not receive the attention they deserve.
- Skill Gaps: While freelancers may excel at Google Ads, they might not offer expertise in related areas like SEO strategy or content marketing.
- Unpredictability: If the freelancer is unavailable due to illness or personal reasons, your campaigns could be delayed.
Best For: Solopreneurs and small businesses with an ad spend of under RM 3,000/month.
Elevate your brand with a custom corporate website. Let us help you create an engaging and functional online presence.
For businesses looking to refine their audience approach, learning more about Google Ads targeting will help you hit the right market with precision.
Partnering with a Google Ads Agency : For Scaling Your Campaigns
A Google Ads agency is a full-service team of experts that handle Google Ads as part of a broader marketing strategy.
These agencies often provide additional services like SEO audits, content marketing, and keyword research.
Pros of Hiring a Google Ads Agency in Malaysia
- A Team of Specialists: Agencies provide access to a diverse team of experts, including PPC managers, copywriters, SEO specialists, and content marketers. Their combined efforts ensure your Google Ads are optimised and integrated into a wider digital marketing strategy.
- Multi-Lingual Capabilities: Malaysia’s multicultural market requires targeted campaigns in multiple languages, such as English, Malay, and Mandarin. Agencies can create ads that cater to various segments.
- Advanced Tools: Agencies often have access to premium tools and Google Partner status, which offer deeper insights into campaign performance and audience targeting.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Agencies provide detailed, transparent reports, so you’ll always be in the loop regarding campaign performance, spend, and ROI.
Cons of Hiring a Google Ads Agency
- Higher Costs: Agencies typically charge more than freelancers due to their team structure and premium tools.
- Minimum Spend Requirements: Some agencies impose a minimum ad spend threshold to manage campaigns effectively.
Best For: Growing SMEs, e-commerce businesses, or larger companies looking to scale their Google Ads campaigns and integrate other marketing services.
Additionally, content marketing plays a pivotal role in keeping your audience engaged across platforms.
Cost Breakdown: Google Ads Freelancer vs. Agency in Malaysia
| Service Provider | Pricing Model | Estimated Cost (RM) |
| Freelancer | Hourly Rate | RM 50 – RM 200 per hour |
| Freelancer | Monthly Retainer | RM 1,000 – RM 3,000 per month |
| Agency | Monthly Retainer | RM 3,000 – RM 10,000+ per month |
| Agency | % of Ad Spend | 15% – 20% of total spend |
Note: Agencies charge an 8% SST on their Google Ads service fees. All costs listed are for management only; you will still pay Google directly for ad clicks.
A balanced approach often includes both paid ads and organic growth through SEO services and local SEO.
Why Data-Driven Google Ads Management Matters
Newnormz, a Google Ads agency Malaysia, focuses on a data-driven approach to Google Ads management.
We believe in optimising efficiency rather than simply increasing ad spend. Our method prioritises maximising return on ad spend (ROAS) while keeping management fees low.
Through the power of data, we’re able to understand key trends and user behaviours, adjusting campaigns to deliver the best results. Every decision made is backed by real-time insights, ensuring your ads reach the most relevant audience at the right time.
This approach helps businesses achieve optimal results without the need for excessive spending.
Our goal is to deliver long-term, measurable success for your business.
By continually refining strategies and optimising campaigns, we ensure that your budget is used efficiently, driving growth while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
To expand your reach while optimising Google Ads, consider integrating Google Display Ads and Google Shopping Ads to expand your reach.
Red Flags to Watch for in Google Ads Services
When choosing between a freelancer and an agency, keep an eye out for the following red flags:
| Red Flag | Why It’s a Concern |
| Guaranteeing Specific Results | No one can guarantee specific outcomes in Google Ads; it’s all about optimising for the best ROI. |
| Lack of Transparency | Without clear reporting, you won’t know where your money is going. |
| No Google Ads Certification | Google Ads certification indicates expertise. If it’s missing, it may signal a lack of formal knowledge. |
| Upfront Payment Demands | Full upfront payment without clear goals and deliverables is risky. |
| Unwillingness to Share Account Access | You should always retain access to your Google Ads account. Lack of access is a major concern. |
| Cookie-Cutter Strategies | Campaigns should be tailored to your business. |
Discover tailored Google Ads strategies for SMEs that work within your budget and bring measurable results.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Freelancer vs. Agency
Before you make your decision, consider these factors:
- Do you need multi-lingual ads? Agencies are better equipped to handle multi-language campaigns, which is essential in Malaysia.
- Who owns the data? You should always retain full control of your Google Ads account. With freelancers, you may risk losing access if they leave. Agencies like Newnormz ensure you always have access to your account and data.
- Is your tracking set up correctly? Accurate conversion tracking is essential for Google Ads success. Agencies typically have dedicated specialists who ensure proper tracking and SEO optimisation.
Maximise Your Google Ads Success with Newnormz – Get Started Today!
For small businesses or solopreneurs with a budget under RM 3,000 who need basic Google Ads management, a freelancer offers a cost-effective solution.
However, for established SMEs or e-commerce brands aiming to scale their Google Ads efforts, Newnormz provides a comprehensive strategy that combines SEO, content marketing, and PPC management for sustained growth and optimal results.
Don’t leave your Google Ads to chance. Contact Newnormz today for a free consultation and let us help you optimise your campaigns for maximum visibility and ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
