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.
We’re Rockhopper Digital, a web design studio based in Robertsbridge, East Sussex.
We design and build WordPress websites and online shops for small businesses, trades and charities, help people get found on Google with SEO, and look after hosting and website maintenance once everything’s live. Small, simple sites start from £500.
Whether you’re in Hastings, Eastbourne or just over the border in Tunbridge Wells, we’d love to hear what you’re planning. We also work with clients across the UK and further afield, in the USA, Canada and South Africa.
01Selected projects
Work with
character.
From independent businesses to creative voices and causes that matter. A selection of websites, each shaped around its audience. Each one links to a case study covering the brief, what we built and the outcome.
Results from Google Search Console and UK ranking data, October 2026.
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. Explore web design in Sussex
02E-commerce
Online shops that make browsing and buying straightforward. We design and build with WooCommerce, 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.
03Process / How we work
How a project
runs.
From the first conversation to looking after the site once it’s live.
Discuss your project- 01
First conversation
Tell us what you need by phone, email, WhatsApp or the form. We’ll ask about your business, your customers and what the site has to do.
- 02
Written proposal
Before any work starts, you get the scope, price and timescale in writing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- 03
Design and build
We build in Divi, Elementor, Funnelr or a custom theme, using AI-assisted tools that speed up the build and keep the site easy to look after. Page structure, headings and internal links are planned for search from the start.
- 04
Launch and aftercare
We check everything before the site goes live and set up redirects if any addresses change. After that, we look after hosting, updates and support for as long as you need.
04The 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.
Martin leads every project, from the first conversation through to launch and ongoing support, backed by a team of SEO specialists and developers. Together we work across Divi, Elementor, Funnelr, WooCommerce and membership websites, along with AI website builds and automation, 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 19 reviews
Olaoluwa Davies
We have worked with Martin at Rockhopper Digital for over three years. From initially building our websites to supporting our recent rebranding, he has consistently been professional, reliable and accommodating. We value his expertise and continued support and would happily recommend his services.
5-star review on Google
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
05FAQs / 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, including sites for trades and charities, online shops and membership websites. Most of our work uses WordPress with Divi or Elementor, with WooCommerce for online shops. We also create AI website builds, and build and support Funnelr sites, from sales funnels to full websites. 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, as well as clients in the USA, Canada and South Africa. Martin leads every project, with meetings and feedback handled remotely where convenient.
How much does a website cost, and how long does it take?
Every website is quoted on the work it needs, so prices vary with the number of pages, the design, the content and any features such as an online shop or membership area. Small, simple sites start from £500, with no VAT to add. 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?
Yes. With a website redesign, we 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.
06Start 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.