‘Hosting was an afterthought, until we realised how much peace of mind it brings when it is truly well arranged’

“We were not actually actively looking for our own server,” says Harmen Klaassens, operations manager at ForYou. “Building and hosting websites was something we did together with technical partners. That worked fine, so why would you question it?”

That attitude changed the moment ForYou decided to bring more parts of their services in house. Not only content and design, but also more responsibility on the technical side.

“During conversations with Lars of LJPc within our collaboration, the question suddenly came up: ‘why are we actually not a client of yours?’ That did not turn into a sales pitch, but a substantive conversation. And the more we talked, the more logical that step became.”

From unawareness to insight

According to Harmen, the biggest problem was not poor hosting, but a lack of insight. “We were simply not aware of the risks around speed, stability and security. That sat with partners, so we leaned on them.”

Only when LJPc made concrete what those risks were, and how they can be limited with your own physical server, did the penny drop.

“When Lars explained the difference in safety and quality, and that this could even be done at lower monthly costs, the choice was actually made quickly. Our clients have improved considerably in quality, almost without noticing the transition.”

Personal service as the decisive factor

What ultimately tipped the balance for ForYou was not only technology. “The biggest reason we wanted to switch was communication,” says Harmen. “No ticket systems, no chatbot, no waiting times. Just direct contact with someone you know and who takes responsibility.”

That way of working was a relief for ForYou. “When we email, we get an answer right away. And if something is unclear by email, Lars simply calls. No counter-questions that create new confusion, but immediate clarity. That builds trust.”

According to Harmen, LJPc therefore does not feel like a supplier, but like someone who really has your back. “You notice that there is proactive thinking, checking and securing. That is not passive support, that is partnership.”

An intensive switch, but fully under control

The switch itself was no small operation. More than 100 websites were migrated. “That was intensive,” Harmen honestly admits. “For us, but also for a number of clients.”

Still, ForYou looks back on it positively. “What made the difference was the guidance. LJPc picked up everything where we got technically stuck. In some cases Lars even helped clients directly. The entire migration went according to plan and we had no nasty surprises afterwards. For us, that has been the proof that it is in good hands.”

Less noise, more speed

After the switch, daily practice changed noticeably. “The noise is gone,” says Harmen. “Problems no longer linger, questions are picked up and solved quickly. That brings calm to the team and speed towards clients.”

ForYou also sees clear improvements in substance. Websites are faster, security is better set up and knowledge is increasingly coming in house. “And if we do not know something, we get an explanation or support. Sometimes both.”

Hosting as a foundation for growth

Looking back, ForYou no longer sees hosting as a cost item. “Hosting is an afterthought, until data security becomes important. Then it suddenly becomes a foundation,” says Harmen.

For agencies that build and manage multiple websites, having your own physical server is not a luxury according to him, but a logical step.

“What makes LJPc a logical partner for us is the combination of security, speed and manageable costs. But above all: the way of communicating. That is what ultimately makes the difference.”

If ForYou could do one thing differently? “Have this conversation sooner. We actually would have wanted to make use of this much earlier.”