Explore how a skilled Google Ads management company in Malaysia structures Google Ads packages—including iMarketing MY’s offering—to maximise ROI with transparent monthly retainers, defined ad-spend tiers, and optimisation services.
Introduction
In today’s digital landscape, using Google Ads (previously known as AdWords) is one of the fastest and most measurable ways for Malaysian businesses to drive traffic, leads, and sales. But simply launching ads isn’t enough—what makes a difference is how an experienced agency manages the campaigns, optimises the budget, and reports on results. This article explores how a top Malaysian agency structures its pricing and service packages, using iMarketing MY as an example, and explains how to choose a package that fits your business size, budget, and objectives.
How the Agency Structures Its Packages
Many Google Ads management agencies in Malaysia structure their offering around three main components:
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Monthly retainer or management fee – the fee you pay the agency for their expertise.
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Ad spend budget – the amount you allocate to Google’s network for clicks/impressions.
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Service scope – the types of campaigns (Search, Display, YouTube, Shopping), optimisation frequency, account set-up, reporting and tracking.
For example, iMarketing MY offers SEM (Search Engine Marketing) pricing starting from RM 3,000/month for basic Google Ads campaign management. They also cater to more advanced tiers from about RM 5,200/month for broader service scope. Their service emphasises tracking goals, optimising keywords and ad copy, and monthly consultation.
Below we break down five typical tiers you might find in such a management offering, using simplified names and illustrative features.
Package 1: Starter Tier
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Retainer/management fee: Approx. RM 3,000/month (as per iMarketing’s “Starter” line)
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Ad spend budget: Suitable for small-business budgets (perhaps RM 1,000-RM 5,000 per month)
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Service scope:
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Google Search campaign setup (text ads targeting intent queries)
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Keyword research and selection
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Ad copywriting
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Basic conversion-tracking (e.g., form fills or calls)
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Monthly report + consultation
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Best for: Start-ups and local SMEs looking to test Google Ads with controlled risk.
Package 2: Emerging Tier
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Retainer / management fee: Starting from RM 5,200/month (iMarketing’s “Emerging” tier)
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Ad spend budget: Higher than Starter, allowing for more keywords, bigger reach
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Service scope:
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All Starter features, plus retargeting campaigns (Display/Remarketing)
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More ad-groups, ad variations
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Enhanced tracking and measurement (e.g., sales or e-commerce metrics)
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More frequent optimisation and consultation
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Best for: Businesses that have validated basic ads performance and want to scale.
Package 3: Growth/Performance Tier
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Retainer / management fee: Customised above the Emerging tier, many agencies in Malaysia charge tens of thousands annually for full service. (For instance, one competitor lists management fees and media spend for high-end campaigns)
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Ad spend budget: Medium to high, possibly RM 10,000+ per month, with multiple campaign types.
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Service scope:
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Search + Display + YouTube + Shopping ads
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Multi-channel tracking and attribution
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Landing page recommendations or creation
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Weekly or bi-weekly optimisation
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Advanced analytics and competitor insights
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Best for: Growing brands already seeing returns and ready to invest for scale.
Package 4: Enterprise/Unlimited Budget Tier
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Retainer/management fee: Highest tier for large businesses, unlimited ad-spend or very high budgets. For example, another agency lists a “Retainer Fee: RM 5,000/month – Ad budget Unlimited” plan.
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Ad spend budget: No fixed cap; supports aggressive growth, national or multi-region targeting
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Service scope:
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Full suite of campaigns: Search, Display, Video, Shopping, Performance Max
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Dedicated account team, strategic consults, custom reports, and possibly creative assets
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Possibly contract-based with service level agreements (SLAs)
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Best for: Large enterprises, e-commerce brands, companies with major digital marketing budgets.
Package 5: Custom / Bespoke Package
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Many agencies (including iMarketing MY) allow custom plans tailored to specific needs, budgets, or industry-specific goals. For example, iMarketing says “We can tailor a personalised plan to meet your unique needs and budget.”
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Scope: Could include cross-market campaigns, multilingual ads (important in Malaysia’s diverse market), seasonal campaigns, performance-based fees, etc.
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Best for: Firms with unique business models, international targeting, or complex conversion flows.
Why This Agency Model Works for Malaysian Businesses
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Local market understanding: A reputable Malaysian agency understands local search behaviour, language mix (Malay, English, Chinese), campaign peak times, etc.
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Transparent pricing and reporting: The packages above clearly separate agency fee from ad-spend, include monthly reporting, and goal tracking.
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Scalable structure: You can start small (Starter tier) and scale into Emerging/Growth as you gain data and confidence.
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Focus on measurable results: Rather than just clicks, the emphasis is on conversions, optimisation, and improving return on ad spend (ROAS).
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Dedicated service: Many agencies offer a dedicated account manager, monthly consultations, and custom insights—for instance, iMarketing highlights “Detailed reporting and monthly consultation” in their package.
What to Ask Before Choosing a Google Ads Package
When you’re choosing between packages, ensure you ask the agency:
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What exactly is included in the management fee (setup, keyword research, ad copy, optimisation, reports)?
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What is your ad-spend budget? Who pays Google directly? Is it under your account?
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What types of campaigns are covered (Search, Display, YouTube, Shopping)?
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How often is optimisation performed, and what metrics are tracked?
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Are there long-term contracts, or can you cancel anytime? (Some agencies waive contracts, others lock for 3-6 months)
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Will you have full access to the Google Ads account? Transparent reporting?
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What results or ROI benchmarks can you expect? Agencies in Malaysia suggest you may start seeing meaningful ROI in 1-3 months.
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How will the agency tailor the targeting for the Malaysian market (local language, region, mobile behaviour)?
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Is there a tier upgrade path if you want to scale?
Example: How iMarketing MY’s Package Works
Let’s take a closer look at iMarketing MY’s publicly listed SEM/Google Ads pricing:
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Starter tier: Starting from RM 3,000/month, covering Google Ads performance management, goal tracking, keyword & ad copy optimisation, up to 4 ad-groups, and a monthly report.
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Emerging tier: Starting from RM 5,200/month, adds retargeting, “Performance Max” (Google’s multi-channel campaign type), unlimited ad-groups, monthly consultation, and reporting.
They emphasise targeted solutions: Search Ads (high-intent), Local Ads (for store or local services), Display Ads (brand awareness), YouTube Ads (video reach,) and Shopping Ads (for e-commerce).
So, if a Malaysian SME wants to start with Google Ads, they could engage iMarketing MY at the RM 3,000/month range, evaluate performance over a few months, and then upgrade as they begin to scale. The transparency and local expertise provide advantages.
Things to Keep in Mind
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Ad spend is separate: The agency’s fee covers management. The actual ad budget goes to Google and is billed directly (or via an agency, but the client sees it).
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Budget vs results: A larger budget alone doesn’t guarantee success. Strategy, targeting, landing pages and optimisation matter.
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Time to see results: While ads start showing immediately, optimising and real conversion improvement may take 4-12 weeks.
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Industry variation: Some industries (legal, insurance, real estate) have a higher cost per click (CPC) in Malaysia.
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Local nuances: Malaysian market has language and regional differences. Multi-language ads and mobile optimisation are important.
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Transparent metrics: Keep your eye on cost per conversion, ROAS, click-through rate, not just click volume.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the minimum budget I should allocate for a Google Ads management package in Malaysia?
A: A reputable agency in Malaysia may start its management packages from around RM 3,000/month (as per iMarketing MY’s Starter tier) for SEM campaigns. However, you also need to decide your ad-spend budget (to Google), separate from that agency fee. Many suggest a minimum of RM 1,000–RM 3,000/month for small businesses to test campaigns.
Q2: Does the agency charge for the actual ad-spend or only for management?
A: In the typical model, you pay the agency for management (the retainer/fee) and you pay Google (or via agency) for the actual ad spend. So ad-spend is separate. For example, iMarketing’s pricing lists use management tiers (RM 3,000+, RM 5,200+), not the actual Google ad spend.
Q3: How long before I can expect to see conversions or ROI from Google Ads?
A: While your ads may start showing in days, meaningful conversion results and ROI often take 1-3 months or more. For example, trends suggest initial performance after a month, and stronger results from months 2-4 onward. Your results vary with budget, industry, landing page quality, and optimisation.
Q4: Can I upgrade my package later if my business grows?
A: Yes. That is one of the benefits of well-structured agency packages. You might start at a smaller tier (e.g., RM 3,000/month) and then upgrade to the Emerging or Growth tiers (RM 5,200+ or custom) as your ad spend and results grow. iMarketing specifically says they tailor plans and allow growth.
Q5: Are there contracts, or can I cancel anytime?
A: This depends on the agency. Some Malaysian agencies require a minimum of 3-6 months; others operate month-to-month. For example, some packages emphasise “no contract” or “cancel anytime”. Always check the terms before signing (setup fee, minimum period, notice period).
Q6: What types of campaigns are covered in these packages?
A: The service scope varies by tier. Lower tiers often cover Search Ads (text ads when users search). Higher tiers or custom packages may include Display Network (image ads), YouTube Video Ads, Shopping ads (for e-commerce), and retargeting. For example, iMarketing lists Search, Local, Display, YouTube, and Shopping.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Google Ads management package is about aligning your business size, budget, and goals with an agency’s service model—and ensuring that you select a provider with local expertise, transparency, and a scalable structure. Using iMarketing MY as a reference, you can begin with a Starter tier (approx. RM 3,000/month management fee) and scale up to more advanced tiers as you gain traction and confidence in the campaigns. With the right partner, your Google Ads investment becomes not just traffic, but measurable revenue growth.
Want to compare multiple Malaysian Google Ads agencies and their package details? Let me know, and I can pull up a detailed list for you.

