OK, i cant make my own CMS so would using Joomla be okay for non ecommerence web design? Im just asking as Joomla being free doesnt seem very professional.

If you can’t create your one CMS-systems, there are to possibilities:

• Using free one’s like Yoomla or CMSMS, ...
• Paying someone for building your CMS systems

Your own CMS-system is (if it’s good) always more professional, but if that’s no option …

I don’t see why free CMS systems aren’t ok, the only disadvantage probably is that it’s too extensive (more than needed), but that should be liveable. Using a free CMS-system is also cheaper for your customers, because they don’t have to pay for a personal CMS that you have to build.

I have seen many web developers who give the choice to clients between a free ”general” CMS or a payed self-made CMS with specified options and tools.

You'd be surprised with what you can do with Joomla. Yes it's open source, but that's of no importance. If you know your programming, Joomla can be twisted into a very custom ecommerce website. Joomla itself is just a plain slate, a lot of work must go into it, meaning never feel guilty about using it as a CMS base for your clients.

Joomla is powerful, but it has steep learning curve. If your client don't mind the powered by Joomla thingy than it should be ok.

I suggest you look around other cms system before you decide and ask yourself this question and what priority are they to you:

1 - Ease of use
2 - Functionality
3 - Active community
4 - Availability of mods
5 - Security
6 - Customization

Once you figure this out, than you tally it with each cms system. Joomla or custom cms is not for everyone

Plus it’s all about the client, if you continue to maintain the site, than it's ok, but if you going to pass it to the client, than you have to familiarize them with the system and expect lots of follow up calls on how to do tis and tat

A lot of companies actually use joomla for their cms, even webhosting companies. I don't see why it's not professional, and usually most people would judge the website by how it looks and its contents. It is up to the clients on what they would prefer, based on their budget and requirements.

joomla is actually very usefull

It's not because something is free that it's not professional. As stated about, you can test some of the free CMS on their usability and features and then decide which one to use. Of course, if they don't offer what you need, you'll have to pay someone to create a custom CMS.

I agree with some of the posts above, Joomla can be useful - as long as you are clear with the client, and they're happy with it.

Joomla is used extensively in webhosting sites and can really look like anything you want it to be.

The work you put into customizing it can make the difference between professional and free.

Here's a list of CMS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...gement_systems

Originally Posted by Astawicki

Here's a list of CMS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...gement_systems

Nice Find

I would say paying someone to code you a cms is your best bet.

But if you're set on using a free cms, be honest with your client and as iMountain.com said the amount of customization you put into it makes the difference.

Joomla or for that matter any other cms only acts as a starting point on which you can further build your site and is dependent on the time and effort you put in.