How important is a logo on a business website?

I just had my website created recently, and a close friend also told me to create a logo for my online business too. She even suggested this professional business logo design expert whom I can hire to do the works. So I just want to know, how crucial is a logo to an online business owner like me?

 

Logo is like your online face. That is what people remember the most about your website other than the domain name itself.
What is the one thing you remember about Microsoft the most?
Its their "window" logo, isn't it?
Anytime you hear the word "Microsoft", that window logo flashes in the mind, isn't it?

You can use a stylish text of your domain name as your logo.
This is what Yahoo and Google did, even "FB" (facebook)

If you are new business, and do not have too much brand recognition (online or offline), then you don't have to spend too much for a logo designer right now.
Something neat and imaginative can do.
However, if you do have brand recognition, then you must hire someone good to get a high quality logo done.

You can get some good designers in this forum itself, in the "logo contest" forum.
Anything between 50$ to 100$ can get you a very nice logo.

 

I tend to disagree, you don't have to have a logo. Brand identity and a logo are not one and the same. A nice, recognizable font with a good color scheme can be much more powerful than some silly mascot or emblem.

 

I partly agree with you - Brand identity and logo are not the same thing.
But then a logo is not necessarily a mascot or emblem. Even a simple and carefully selected text which presents your Brand thought can be a logo. Example: Google & Calvin Klein to name a few.

@KameronGoodall
I think you should read this - http://www.pratikbagaria.com/treat-your-website-like-you-treat-your-house/

 

I think its important but not so much .Important its to deliver the best value as you can ,if you do this people will remember about you all the time

 

If you’re looking for a logo check out the contest page and create your own. Some really good work is done here at reasonable rates.

 

Symbols are a succinct and efficient way of communicating information about your business. A logo is an important part of your company's brand, and makes a significant impact on a company's public perception. In fact, a logo is one of the most important branding investments a business can make.