You did it. You’re certified. Now what?

You’ve poured your heart into learning about sleep science, practiced your scripts, passed your exams—and now you’re staring at a blank screen, wondering how to turn this shiny new certification into a real, thriving business.

First: take a deep breath and celebrate🥳. Becoming a certified pediatric sleep consultant is a huge accomplishment.

But the truth is, getting certified is only the beginning. Now it’s time to move from “learning mode” into action mode.

The good news? You don’t need a perfect brand, massive following, or full-blown business plan to get started.

You just need clarity, confidence, and a little strategy.

Here are five foundational steps that will help you go from newly certified to confidently booked with your first (or next) clients.

Your First 5 Steps After Becoming a Sleep Consultant

Step 1: Pick a Clear Niche (Even If It Feels Scary)

You might be thinking, “But I want to help everyone!” Totally get it. Most new consultants do. But here’s the problem: if you try to talk to everyone, your message ends up resonating with no one.

The fastest way to stand out and attract clients is by narrowing your focus. A niche doesn’t limit you—it clarifies you. It helps potential clients say, “She gets me.”

Here’s how to niche down effectively:

• Identify a stage of sleep you feel most confident helping with (newborn, infant, toddler, preschooler).

• Layer in a “life situation” if you can—like working parents, first-time moms, twin families, special needs, or families who prefer gentle methods.

• Speak directly to that person in all your content and messaging.

Think of it like this: if a parent in a Facebook group posts, “My 6-month-old wakes up every two hours, but I can’t let him cry” and someone replies, “You have to talk to her—this is her specialty,” you’ve done your job.

Niche clarity example:
“I help working parents of newborn babies (0-12 months) to create gentle, effective sleep routines—without sleep training that feels stressful.”

Step 2: Set Up a Simple, Professional Presence

You don’t need a custom website or a perfectly curated Instagram feed to start bringing in clients. What you do need is a trustworthy, professional place where people can learn what you do, see how to work with you, and book a consult.

This can be as simple as:

• A one-page website (using Canva, Showit, or Wix)

• A Linktree page connected to your Instagram bio

• A Google Doc with your services, bio, and a booking link

• A well crafted email with a Paypal or Stripe link to your services

Your basic setup should include:

• A clear headline that says who you help and how

• A short, personal About Me section that shares your story and builds trust

• A simple outline of your main offer or package

• A way to schedule a free discovery call if you choose to offer one (Calendly or Acuity are great tools for this)

• One testimonial, if you have one—even from a practice client

Even if your branding is simple, your clarity and warmth can set you apart. Speak in the voice your ideal client would understand at 3 a.m. when they’re scrolling and exhausted.

Step 3: Simplify to Strengthen – 1 to 3 Offers, Max

Here’s the truth: more choices don’t always mean better results. In fact, offering too many options can overwhelm potential clients—and overwhelmed people rarely buy.

There’s real research to back this up. A famous study by Columbia University (often called the “jam study”) found that when shoppers were offered 24 jam flavors, only 3% made a purchase.

When offered just 6 flavors? Sales jumped to 30%.
Too many options = decision fatigue = lost sales.

So instead of launching with a buffet of bundles, start lean and strategic.

1 to 3 offers, max.
Enough to give clients clarity, not confusion. Each offer should stand on its own by solving a specific and painful sleep challenge.

But here’s the key:
You’re not selling coaching calls, PDFs, or checklists. You’re selling relief. Confidence. Sleep.

Each offer should answer the one question your client is asking in their head:
“Will this fix what I’m going through?”

Don’t focus on what’s included—focus on the transformation. You’re offering:

• Peaceful nap times without protest

• Bedtime that doesn’t drag out for 90 minutes

• A baby who sleeps through the night (finally)

When you lead with the result, your offer becomes a “yes” they don’t have to think twice about.

Name your offer with the outcome in mind:

• The Sleep Reset – Two Weeks to Rested Nights and Predictable Routines

• Back to Bed – A 1-Week Plan to End Middle-of-the-Night Wakeups

Keep it simple. Keep it clear. Keep it focused on the problem you solve—and the life they’ll get back when you do.

How to Sell a Sleep Package That Actually Connects

Here’s how to explain what’s included in a way that still sells the transformation—not just the tasks:

Price it with confidence.
Don’t charge based on how you feel today—charge based on the transformation you’re delivering. A strong starting price range for new consultants offering full support is often $350–$650, but adjust based on your market and time involved.

Remember: you’re not selling time—you’re selling a life-changing result.
Present your offer around outcomes, not hours.

Step 4: Get Real-World Experience (Strategically)

If you’re not quite ready to charge full price, a few “practice” clients can help you refine your process, build confidence, and gather testimonials—all without getting stuck in freebie limbo.

Here’s how to make that experience count:

• Offer 3–5 families a free or discounted version of your full support package in exchange for honest feedback and a testimonial.

• Treat every client like they’re paying full price—use the intake forms, support tools, and follow-up processes you plan to use long-term.

• Focus on delivering results and building trust. Every DM, thank-you note, or sleep log improvement becomes part of your marketing down the road.

After each case, ask for:

• A written testimonial (2–3 sentences is perfect)

• Permission to use it publicly

• Optional: a screenshot or photo to pair with it

Save those results. They will build your credibility fast.

Step 5: Talk About What You Do—Consistently and Authentically

The truth is, most new consultants aren’t struggling with sales—they’re struggling with visibility.

If people don’t know you exist, they can’t hire you. So your job now is to show up and start sharing, not selling.

Start by:

• Telling EVERYONE you know about your new business and services

• Posting 2–3 times per week on social media with sleep tips, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes looks at your work

• Engaging in Facebook groups or parenting forums (offer support, don’t pitch)

• Reaching out to potential referral partners—like doulas, lactation consultants, midwives, or pediatricians—and offering to connect

You don’t need thousands of followers. You just need the right five people to know what you do and feel safe trusting you.

Here’s a simple way to describe your work:
“I help tired families get their nights back through personalized sleep coaching that works with their parenting style. If you know someone who’s really struggling, I’d love to help.”

The more consistently you talk about your work, the more people begin to associate your name with results.

Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection

Feeling a little unsure is normal. You don’t need to have a polished brand or a six-month plan to take the next step.

Just start where you are—with what you know—and take imperfect action.

You’ve already proven that you’re committed by becoming certified. Now it’s about building your business one step at a time, with clarity, care, and confidence.

You don’t have to hustle your way there. You just have to keep going.

Want More Support? 

At IPSP, we help certified sleep consultants go from unsure and overwhelmed to confident, profitable, and fully booked. Whether you’re starting your sleep consulting business or growing it, we’ve got programs and support designed to walk with you every step of the way.

Ready to grow a work-from-home career that actually fits your life?
Explore the IPSP Program →

You’re never alone in this—I’m walking the journey with you.