The sudden closure of Bench.co, effective December 27, 2024, is a wake-up call for small business owners everywhere. After 13 years of service, Bench announced it was shutting down, leaving thousands of clients scrambling to retrieve their financial data and find new bookkeeping solutions.
This highlights a hard truth: when you build your business on someone else’s platform, you’re playing by their rules – and at their mercy.
Sound Familiar?
Think about how often social media platforms go down. When Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn crashes, businesses that rely solely on those channels for leads and engagement are left twiddling their thumbs. A recent Meta outage took down Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram, disrupting businesses for hours and costing them valuable leads and sales.
The same risk applies to proprietary website builders like Wix and Squarespace. They’re convenient, sure – but at the end of the day, they own the platform. If they change policies, experience downtime, or worse, shut down, your site (and business) could suffer.
Why Self-Hosted is the Way to Go
A self-hosted website (like one built on WordPress) puts you in the driver’s seat. With WordPress, you own your data, design, and content. No random shutdowns. No sudden losses. Just you and your business, in full control.
In fact, businesses that switch to self-hosted platforms often see benefits like:
- Better Security & Compliance – You control how data is stored and managed.
- Unlimited Flexibility – Want custom features? You’re not limited by someone else’s template.
Plus, your website becomes an asset, not just another digital rental.
Enter: Website in a Box
If the thought of setting up a self-hosted WordPress site feels overwhelming, I get it – tech can be a lot. That’s exactly why I created the Website in a Box – a complete, done-for-you WordPress website designed specifically for virtual bookkeepers and small business owners.
Here’s what’s included:
- Custom Website Design – Built to match your brand and showcase your services.
- Professional Copywriting – So your message is clear, compelling, and converts.
- 12 Months of Website Management – I handle the tech, and you focus on your business.
No Wix. No Squarespace. Just a solid, self-hosted WordPress website that you own – no risk of losing everything overnight.
The Takeaway
Bench’s closure is a reminder: don’t build your business on rented land. Social media and third-party tools can support your business, but they shouldn’t be your foundation. A solid, self-hosted website gives you the stability, security, and flexibility to grow – on your terms.
Ready to make the switch? Learn more about the Website in a Box and let’s build something that lasts.
