One thing I have really been slacking on in my writing business is getting a logo. Graphic design isn’t cheap, you know. And I’ve been on a very tight budget every since I went full-time, so that has fallen by the wayside.

I realize that every business needs a logo, even small ones like mine. Especially small ones like mine. Using a logo on all of your communications makes them look more professional. And it’s a must for your website. In fact, that’s also something that has been holding me back from setting up a website to promote my services.

So what’s a small business owner on a budget to do? Well, you could design your own logo. But that’s not exactly an option for me. I don’t have any fancy graphics software or hardware. I do have Microsoft Paint, but what am I going to do with that? I suppose I could make a logo out with it, as long as it consisted of text, circles and squares. Call me crazy, but I think I’ll pass.

But all is not lost. I tried out a nifty little service from LogoYes that helps business owners do their own logo design. I was a bit apprehensive given my limited graphic abilities, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to try. Trying is free, after all.

What happened was nothing short of a miracle: I created a nice, professional looking logo! A logo that didn’t look like a kindergartener drew it! A logo that I wouldn’t be ashamed for my clients to see! Here it is on a matching business card:

Not too shabby, huh? Here is another one I created:

(In case you’re wondering, that’s not my real address, phone number, or fax number. I don’t have a P.O. box or business line yet, and I’m not crazy about the idea of publicizing my physical address and home phone number.)

Creating my logo was so easy. All you have to do is choose a symbol (which they have lots and lots of), add and format your text, and adjust the colors and layout as you wish. You can adjust the sizing as you like, and there are plenty of fonts and colors to choose from. And when you’re done, you can design a matching business card to go with it in a snap.

LogoYes makes it quick and easy to design professional logos and matching business cards to brand your business. And they’re much more affordable than paying a graphic designer and then paying someone to have your cards printed. Once you’ve purchased the logo and business card graphics, you can take advantage of a coupon for 100 free business cards. You can then purchase more when you need them, or you can print them yourself if you like. It’s a great solution for small business owners for whom logo and business card design was previously out of reach. Like me.