Seems like visitors intentionally pass by the site and do not wish to look at coolest design. The rude truth of life is that it is necessary to attract visitors. There are many ways to invite people, but all of them can not substitute the main. And the main thing is that a visitor should not feel annoyed after visiting the site. More better, if he wants to come again.
Content is the main reason to visit any site.
If you are really able to tell about something in details and entertainingly, do not hesitate, it must be interesting for other people. Go ahead to share your knowledge with others. No pity, among your friends and relatives surely must be experts of some subjects. Tell them how easy is to give their knowledge to people worldwide, and they practically always should be glad to co-operate. The main function of design is to provide an adequate perception of the content.