Web Design & Development, SEO, Hosting & Support in East Sussex
Great design.Better business.
We build fast, high-performing websites that help businesses across the UK attract more visitors and generate more enquiries.
Discover our work01Selected projects
Work with
character.
From independent businesses to creative voices and causes that matter. A selection of websites, each shaped around its audience.
A considered approach. An individual result.
02Expertise / From idea to everyday use
Creative thinking.
Technical craft.
Creative web design. Experienced WordPress development. Search optimisation built into the process. We connect how your website looks, how it works and how people find it.
Tell us what you need01Web design & development
Custom WordPress website builds using Divi and Elementor, with responsive layouts, clear navigation and content you can manage yourself. From business websites to membership platforms and bespoke enquiry forms, we bring design and development together around your customers.
02E-commerce
Online shops that make browsing and buying straightforward. We design and build with WooCommerce and Shopify, from product pages through to checkout. Explore e-commerce
03Branding & graphic design
Clear, consistent visual identities across your website, print and marketing. From a new logo to a complete brand identity, every detail works together.
04SEO & digital marketing
SEO starts with the website build: a clear page structure, relevant headings, descriptive page titles, useful content and internal links. We also help with keyword research, local SEO, technical improvements, Google Search Console and GA4, so you can understand how people find and use your site. Explore SEO services
05AI & automation
Practical ways to reduce repetitive work, connect your systems and support your customers. We help you identify where AI, chatbots and automation can be useful to your business.
06Support & consultancy
A reliable partner after launch. Website maintenance, updates, training and straightforward advice, alongside white label development for agencies.
03The studio / Independent by choice
Experience.
With a personal touch.
Rockhopper Digital is an independent web design and digital consultancy based in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, working with businesses locally and across the UK. Led by Martin Phillips, we combine over 25 years of design experience with hands-on WordPress development and SEO expertise.
You work directly with Martin, from the first conversation through to launch and ongoing support. His skills span Divi, Elementor, WooCommerce, Shopify and membership websites, alongside branding, technical SEO and analytics. You get considered design backed by practical knowledge of how to build and maintain it. More about the studio
25+Years of industry experience
1:1Personal, direct support
Google reviews
What clients say about us on Google
5.0
Google rating from 18 reviews
Michelle Heaton
Wag’n’Tails Doggy Daycare
Martin has been carrying out work for my business for the past five years. He has recently completed my Summer 2026 video for Wag’n’Tails Doggy Daycare, which is now live across my social-media channels and website. I send Martin a huge number of short video clips of all the dogs in our care, and he expertly brings them together into a wonderful compilation, complete with music. The finished videos are always a joy to watch, and my clients absolutely love them. Martin also created my website, which is beautifully designed, clear, and very user-friendly. He takes the time to listen to what you need and, quite simply, creates the perfect website for your business. As someone who is not particularly confident with technology, I especially appreciate Martin’s patience. He explains everything clearly in straightforward terms and is always happy to go over things again when needed. Martin has become a valued part of my business and has been on this journey with me from the very beginning. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has done and would highly recommend him
5-star review on Google
Braxton Carrington
Martin is beyond amazing. He’s talented and prompt and I thank him for what he’s done to help us.
5-star review on Google
Russell Cusack
We’ve worked with Martin at Rockhopper Digital for a number of years and have always been extremely happy with the service he provides. Martin has helped us with our website, hosting, ongoing support and improvements, and is always quick to respond whenever we need something changed or have a problem that needs sorting. He takes the time to understand our business and is very good at explaining things clearly without making them unnecessarily technical. What we particularly appreciate is that he’s proactive and always looking at ways to improve the website, whether that’s performance, SEO, design or the overall user experience. Reliable, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Martin and Rockhopper Digital to any business looking for a professional web designer and dependable ongoing website support.
5-star review on Google
Mona Viola
US Client
Martin did an excellent job helping us build our website. We gave him the main points and artistic freedom, and his creativity made a beautiful website. I highly recommended services
5-star review on Google
Michelle Baker
Martin provides personal friendly service at all times. He is flexible and open minded and happy to provide strategic advice as well as specific requests.
5-star review on Google
Niels Olde Heuvel
Thnx Tags
If you’re looking for a web developer, stop looking. You’ve found him. Rockhopper / Martin has become our digital rock at thnx. Reliable, incredibly knowledgeable, lightning-fast and somehow always there when we need him. But what really sets Martin apart isn’t just what he knows or how quickly he gets things done. It’s the person behind it all. Working with Martin is simply fun. He thinks along, cares about the result and is genuinely a great guy to have on your team. At thnx, we believe great things happen when good people work together. So Martin, from all of us: a very big thnx for being part of the thnx family. 🙏 Couldn’t recommend him more!
5-star review on Google
04FAQs / Before we begin
Your questions.
Answered.
What to expect from your website build, search optimisation and ongoing support.
Discuss your projectWhat types of websites do you design and build?
We design and build business websites, online shops and membership websites. Most of our work uses WordPress with Divi or Elementor, with WooCommerce and Shopify for e-commerce. The platform and features are chosen around what your business needs.
Is SEO included in a new website build?
Search optimisation is considered from the outset, including page structure, headings, page titles, mobile usability and internal links. We agree the scope in your proposal. Ongoing content, local SEO and wider search campaigns can be discussed separately.
Can you improve the SEO of my existing WordPress website?
Yes. We can review your content, page structure and technical setup, then prioritise practical improvements. This can include keyword research, on-page optimisation, local search and Google Search Console or GA4 setup. Search performance depends on competition, content and ongoing work; rankings cannot be guaranteed.
Do you work with businesses outside East Sussex?
Yes. Rockhopper Digital is based in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, and works with businesses across the UK. You deal directly with Martin, with meetings and feedback handled remotely where convenient.
How much does a website cost, and how long does it take?
The cost and schedule depend on the number of pages, the design, the content and any features such as an online shop or membership area. After discussing your brief, we provide a written proposal setting out the scope, price and expected timescale before work begins.
Can I update the website myself?
Yes. We build with manageable content in mind and can provide training so you can update text, images and other agreed areas. If you would prefer us to handle changes, ongoing support is available.
Can you redesign my website while protecting its existing SEO?
We can review the existing pages and URLs, retain useful content and plan redirects where addresses change. The aim is to preserve valuable search signals while improving the site. The migration work is agreed in the project scope, and search visibility can fluctuate after a relaunch.
Do you provide hosting and support after launch?
Yes. Hosting, WordPress maintenance, updates and ongoing advice are available. We agree the level of support you need, whether that is help with occasional changes or regular website care.
05Start a conversation
Something in mind?
Let’s talk.
A new website, a fresh direction or a problem that needs solving. Tell us what you’re thinking.