I think many of the sites I come across in industries that aren't technology oriented or have huge corporate budgets tend to lack in visual appeal. And when you really look at the internet for what it is, visual appeal will always trump. As a web developer by trade, this has come to my advantage, because the marketing and web presence I have been able to develop trump what others could afford. Even a big company in this industry would spend a ton to have what I have, if you used big name developers and designers. All of that said, it would be well worth your money to find a freelancer to do these things for you so the image you project comes off as more professional and not quite so cartoony.
No offense intended here btw.