new to CMS

being thrown in headfirst

[traypup]

I'm so glad I found webmasterworld, thats all I have to say.

I've been asked to bid on a job where the client wants a CMS solution, but also wants good SEO and members-only areas. I've been reading about all of the options out there and am struggling on deciding between Joomla, Mambo and Wordpress (which has been my blog of choice for a while now).

I'm at the point now where I'm just going to test each one and see what I like best. However, I have to bid on this job before I know I'll get this stuff all tested. Is more time consuming to build a site with the above requirements than to build a traditional site? I have no idea how to bid on this job. I'm sure we can't discuss actual dollar amounts, but if anyone has any input, I'd forever be grateful.

thanks,
Tracey

[jtara]

If I were the client, and I found out that you'd never used a CMS before, I'd run the other way, and fast.

Have you considered using a CMS on your OWN website first, before soliciting CMS jobs?

If it were me, given the circumstances, I wouldn't bid on it.

[generalinq]

I use phpnuke but have been looking at Joomla recently.

[traypup]

jtara, I completely understand what you're saying and I did explain my limitation of knowledge in this area. I did find something called ContentSeed, which looks like it's about all that this prospective job would need anyway (it's a site for a small organization) and I've been testing that.

I fully intend to test some of the other cms stuff that's out there. I'm currently testing a whole bunch of software in many categories as a matter of fact. Thanks for your input!

[traypup]

generalinq, thanks for your input...I appreciate it and will look at both of those.

[RicoFlan]

Mambo, Joomla and WordPress are all good choices. Your time to market will probably be faster with Mambo or Joomla given the straightforward nature of the templating process.

You need user login / extranet -- no problem for them. For SEO both have the ability to produce basic SEO links from options in the global configuration manager. Those who demand more can install various third party extensions to enhance this.

However, on the point of SEO, WordPress stomps both Mambo and Joomla. Highly configurable URLS and the use of tags and structured taxonomy, etc., etc.

Good luck with the project!

[trooper27]

Hi, Tracey,

It is a tough choice - to choose one out of Joomla, Mambo, Wordpress. However, they have their specific features to take into account when you decide your bet. For example - Wordpress - it is built around writing content and publishing it. That's its core. While, let's say, Joomla right from the start was aimed to provide a better presentation of content - managing the content first, then writing and publishing. You are the one to have the final say which one to choose. I suggest you take a tour with the three of them and just then have your say.

Good luck,