Building a digital foundation for the AMCH

Client snapshot

Alternative Market & Community Hub (AMCH) is a creative, community-led market space based in Hastings. It brings together independent traders, permanent residents, workshops, and events under one roof.

It's not a static retail unit. It's a changing environment. Traders rotate. Events happen weekly. Messaging shifts. The space evolves. When AMCH approached us, they needed their digital presence to reflect that reality.

What they needed

AMCH needed more than a website or social media support in isolation. They needed a digital foundation that could support a fast-moving, community-driven space. Specifically, they needed:

• A clear and confident online presence that reflected the character of the market
• A structured way for traders to book stalls and for visitors to make enquiries
• A reliable way to promote events and workshops
• Stronger local visibility through search
• Consistent, professional activity across multiple social platforms
• Reporting that was easy to understand and useful in decision-making
• Ongoing support that could respond quickly as the space evolved

This required a joined-up approach rather than disconnected services.

What we did

We approached AMCH as a long-term digital partner from the outset. Rather than separating website, SEO, and social into standalone tasks, we built an integrated system where each element supports the others.

Website creation and infrastructure

We designed and developed the AMCH website from scratch, creating a flexible structure that could grow alongside the space. The site includes:

• Clear stall booking functionality via a direct booking pathway
• A dedicated contact page for visitors, traders, and general enquiries
• A branded live events calendar with subscription capability
• A stallholder CMS to showcase permanent traders individually
• An articles CMS to support ongoing updates and content
• Full hosting, management, and continued updates

Beyond launch, we continue to manage and refine the site as information changes and new needs arise.

SEO strategy and implementation

To strengthen visibility locally, we implemented a structured SEO approach, including targeted keyword research, on-page optimisation across core pages, ongoing content creation through articles and updates, and performance tracking and reporting. SEO was built into the structure from the beginning rather than treated as an afterthought.

Content production

To ensure the digital presence stayed authentic, we conducted multiple on-site content days in Hastings. These involved capturing photography and video of the space, stallholders, and events, creating a bank of original visual assets that feed into campaigns and content across platforms. This keeps AMCH's online presence grounded in real activity rather than stock imagery or generic visuals.

Social media management

We manage AMCH's presence across five platforms, ensuring consistent visibility while maintaining the character of the space. Each platform plays a defined role within the overall strategy, with content adapted appropriately rather than duplicated. This includes the creation of video-led content where appropriate, using original footage and imagery captured during content days.

Reporting and ongoing support

We provide clear, digestible monthly reporting covering performance across platforms. Reports highlight key trends, campaign relevance, and actionable insights without unnecessary complexity. Alongside reporting, we provide ongoing responsive support, updating website content, adjusting messaging, and adapting campaigns as required.

The results so far

AMCH now has a connected digital system that supports how the space actually operates:

• A fully custom-built website acting as a functional booking and enquiry hub
• Multiple enquiries already coming directly through the website
• A reliable structure for promoting live events and workshops
• Permanent stallholders properly represented online
• Growing visibility and engagement across social platforms
• SEO foundations in place to strengthen long-term search presence
• A dependable digital partner able to work on-site for content production and ongoing campaign development

Most importantly, AMCH now has a digital presence that feels aligned with the atmosphere and pace of the space itself.

Ongoing partnership

AMCH continues to operate as a dynamic, community-led space, and our role remains consistent. We continue to manage and refine the website, develop content, support SEO growth, produce on-site visual material, and oversee structured social campaigns. The partnership is designed to provide steady, adaptable digital support that evolves alongside the space without over-complication.