Starting a baby sleep consulting business is such an exciting adventure! You’re stepping into a role that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of families, helping little ones (and their parents) get the rest they desperately need. But like any new career, building a successful business is intimidating! You’re building a whole new skillset and taking the risk to achieve that dream entrepreneur lifestyle. It takes careful planning, a lot of heart, and strategy – but trust me, it is well worth it. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, here’s a guide on how to build a sleep consulting business.
1. Create a Strong Brand Identity
Your brand is the first impression families will have of you – it’s how they’ll remember you and what you stand for. Think about what makes your approach to baby sleep consulting unique. What are your core values? What do you want parents to feel when they work with you?
Once you’ve got that figured out, choose a business name, logo, and color scheme that reflect those values. And remember, consistency is key! Your brand should shine through in everything you do, from your website and social media profiles to your emails and business cards.
2. Build a Professional Online Presence
These days, most parents find sleep consultants online, so you want to make sure your website is inviting, easy to navigate, and full of valuable information. Share your services, include testimonials from happy clients, and maybe even offer some helpful sleep tips through a blog.
AND – Don’t forget to make your site mobile-friendly, so it looks great on any device! When it comes to social media, be sure to stay active and engaging. Share advice, celebrate your clients’ successes, and let people see the real you behind the business. Your clients want to know that you’re a real person behind the screen – so don’t be shy when it comes to showing your personality, your knowledge, and most importantly, your face!
3. Network and Build Relationships
Building relationships with other people who work with new parents can be a fantastic way to grow your client base. And I don’t just mean other baby sleep consultants! Think about connecting with pediatricians, doulas, lactation consultants – anyone who might interact with your ideal clients. This way, you’re not competing with those people for clients, you’re actually sharing them! It creates a win-win partnership.
How do you meet those people? There are plenty of ways. You could attend local parenting groups, search them up on socials, jump into online forums, or even collaborate on workshops. Networking isn’t just about getting more clients; it’s also about creating a community of professionals who support each other.
4. The Best Way to Build a Sleep Consulting Business – Provide Great Services
This might seem like a no-brainer, but doing your job and doing it well is without a doubt the best way to build up your sleep consulting business.
You can do all the marketing in the world and have the best social accounts, but when it comes down to it, providing a great experience is the #1 most valuable thing you can do. Happy clients are your best ambassadors, and they’ll sing your praises to anyone who will listen!
To do this, be sure to set clear expectations from the start, stay in regular communication, and always go the extra mile. A little kindness and understanding can go a long way, especially when parents are exhausted and stressed. When you make a lasting impact, you create loyal clients who will refer you to others and come back to you if they need help in the future.
5. Keep, Keep Learning!
The world of baby sleep consulting is always evolving, with new research and trends popping up regularly. So make sure you’re always spending a little bit of your free time staying up to date and furthering your education.
Even though I’ve been at this for YEARS, I always try to set aside some time to watch webinars, take new courses, and read up on new studies. It boosts my confidence and ensures that I’m giving my clients the best, most up-to-date info.
6. Try to Find Balance
Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be all-consuming if you’re not careful. It’s important to set boundaries and make time for yourself, so you don’t burn out.
Establish working hours, and try to stick to them. Don’t be afraid to take breaks and recharge because you’ll be better equipped to help your clients when you’re feeling refreshed and energized. Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity!
Just starting your journey into sleep consulting?
Go check out the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting (IPSP) Sleep Consulting Program. It will set you up with all the training you need to get your certificate and will walk you through how to build a sleep consulting business from scratch. Most of our IPSP graduates secure their first clients within 30 days of completing the program! You can go see if the program is the right fit for you here.
