To increase the visibility of your business, you cannot ignore that advantage of having a website, which is the most viable means to get the attention of a maximum number of prospective clients. Having an effective website may need a considerable investment. But if you are new entrepreneur with a shoestring budget, you have no other way than opting for low cost web development.
Contrary to the common perception that low cost web development fails to make a positive impact to a business, it is pretty capable of doing its bit only if the design and the functionality conforms to the basic requirements. On the basis of your site objectives, business base and market competition, you can design the website while remaining faithful to the greater goal - revenue.
One thing to note is that functionality and design are not mutually exclusive and the whole page must reflect a balance between the two. Let's have a brief discussion of what a low cost website should be in terms of features.
Functionality over aesthetics: Though often overlapping, functionality should precede design because it is after all a platform where a client comes in contact with your business. Unnecessary importance over the aesthetics can lead the website designer to ignore issues like neat user interface, navigation etc.
Focus on user needs: In case of low cost web development, the designers tend to create a good look and feel by using images and other graphic elements. These things do make the site noticeable, but if the visitor does not find the information he is looking for, the dazzling effects created by images come to nothing. Make sure that the site offers information regarding products, stock, price, and other such things.
Determine your goal: One of the major considerations regarding low cost web development involves the goal behind having a website. Your website may have different objectives like selling product, creating a forum for discussion, publishing personal blogs, or promoting third-party products. Only the appropriate features for each of these kinds of goals should be incorporated in the site.
Quality content: Posting good content does not need much investment and it is the content that will make a difference to your website. Regardless of the budget you have, good and informative content on your website will be the most crucial step to a successful website. If the visitors get their desired materials immediately after landing on the site, chances of success will be greater.

User interaction: Even with low cost, you can create a website that will be the most effective, provided the site has interactive features. A responsive navigation system with a breadcrumbs feature and pop-up windows will be helpful in ensuring a good user experience.

Design of a website is a secondary aspect and should take a backseat in low cost web development. A little focus on the basic requirements and tailoring the functionality to complement them can give you your money's worth. But the more important thing is the objectives of a site. Unless the site has the required functionalities, it will serve no purpose.