Joel had some excellent remarks.

Years ago with less competition, unprofessional looking sites, were OK. I know I have a few left in my group of sites.

However, that won't do any longer. Like things that move on a site, no longer a good thing.

I'd take a look at your competitions site -- actually the tops in your field. And between the ideas you've been given here, and what you pick up from the competitions site, you do much better.