One of the great things about the Joomla content management system (CMS) is that –besides being free –it is supported by tens-of-thousands of developers who contribute to the evolution of the application by producing hacks, modifications (mods) and extensions that improve upon the core features and functions.

Joomla is very user friendly, but you will realize very quickly that the admin control panel does not provide you with a way of controlling the front end’s design.  Don’t think about turning to a handy HTML editor like Dreamweaver or Front Page thinking that you can very easily open the homepage and whip up a new look as you would with a regular HTML page.  You are going to have to be fairly competent in PHP and CSS to do it yourself.

Sure there are hundreds –if not thousands –of spots on the web that sell pre-made designs or templates.  But what do you do when you want a completely unique and customized design and layout?

You turn to a professional to design a compelling new design.

In particular, you should go to a firm that specializes in Joomla customization.  For instance, DotDNA’s coders are experts at customizing and modifying Joomla.  DotDNA will create a custom design (or use one you supply) and make it Joomla compatible.