The image you choose to represent your business must be professional looking, as it will decide the first impression your potential customers receive when visiting you. Your logo should be a crisp, clean image that conveys the feeling of your business. A common misconception is that a logo has to be loaded with details. The truth of the matter is, on the web, small details can easily become lost in different browsers and screen resolutions. Look at the logo for Yahoo!, for example. It is recognized by even the newest internet surfers, yet it is a simple design and not overdone.

If you take the initiative to design your own logo, be sure the finished graphic is something you will be proud to display on your web site. You will need a graphics program, such as Paint Shop Pro http://www.jasc.com . ArtToday http://www.arttoday.com  offers graphics and photographs to incorporate into your logo. Be sure to check copyright information before using any graphics not created by you in your logo design. You can even find a free logo generator at http://www.cooltext.com .

If creating your own logo isn't an option for your business, there are plenty of quality designers to be found on the internet. Use your favorite search engine to locate them. Prices of a logo design vary greatly from just a few dollars to several thousand. You may be able to barter for a logo design by offering one of your products or services in exchange.

Consider adding a company slogan to your logo. Your slogan, like your logo, should be kept simple. Use a short phrase or sentence that sums up what your business is all about. Avoid using phrases such as "the best business on the web" or "the coolest site." These types of phrases won't give your visitors any indication of what your web site offers. Think of some famous slogans that are embedded in your memory. Figure out why those slogans are so memorable to you and apply the same principles to your own slogan.

From the smallest of home businesses to the largest of corporations, having your own identity is crucial in separating you from your competition. A distinct, professional image is necessary when doing business online.