Your Guide to Packaging That Sells

Kelley Kempel
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Packaging that looks good is nice—packaging that sells is better. This limited series helps product-based founders turn their packaging into a 24/7 sales tool. Hosted by Kelley Kempel of Packaging Pronto, each episode delivers actionable insights on strategy, compliance, shelf appeal, and real-world results—so you can go from DIY to retail-ready with confidence.

Episodes

  1. 08/11/2025

    10. How to Get Packaging That Sells (Without Guesswork)

    Behind the scenes of Packaging Pronto: your fast-track to retail-ready design. You’ve heard how powerful strategic packaging can be—now let’s talk about how to actually get it done. In this final episode, Kelley Kempel walks you through the full Packaging Pronto process, a one-day design intensive that turns your ideas, dielines, and half-finished labels into shelf-ready packaging you can be proud of. From strategy session to design day to file delivery (and post-launch support), Kelley shares how this process helps product-based founders skip the confusion, speed up their launch timelines, and get packaging that looks good, performs, and prints right the first time. Highlights: The most common bottleneck in product launches—and how to avoid it What makes Packaging Pronto different from traditional design projects How the process works: before, during, and after your design day Why you don’t need to figure it out alone (especially when time is tight) Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    10 min

  2. 08/11/2025

    9. Packaging Pays Off: Measuring the ROI of Strategic Design

    Because packaging isn’t a cost—it’s an asset. Cutting corners on packaging might save money upfront—but it often costs more in the long run. In this episode, Kelley Kempel breaks down how professional packaging drives tangible returns: from higher price points and better conversions to repeat purchases and stronger retail partnerships. You’ll learn what to track, how to spot hidden wins, and why packaging should be seen as a strategic investment—not just a line item. Plus, hear a real-world case study of how one brand turned a packaging upgrade into sales momentum and shelf presence. Highlights: Why DIY packaging might be costing you sales The measurable (and intangible) ROI of professional design How great packaging supports wholesale and Amazon growth What to measure to evaluate packaging performance Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    10 min

  3. 08/11/2025

    8. How Seventh Compass Turned a Packaging Upgrade into Sales Momentum

    How professional packaging helped this founder scale faster and sell more. In this inspiring guest episode, Kelley chats with Amy Hamilton, founder of Seventh Compass, a brand creating heartfelt affirmation decks for mothers and children. Amy shares how a full rebrand and packaging redesign became the turning point in her business—helping her products stand out online, connect with her audience, and increase visibility on platforms like Amazon. You’ll hear how shifting from DIY to professionally-designed packaging didn’t just elevate her brand—it directly impacted sales, opened up new retail opportunities, and gave her the confidence to grow. Highlights: What changed after Amy invested in strategic packaging The Amazon effect: How packaging supports e-commerce success Behind the scenes of the rebrand and design process Why packaging is more than a box—it’s your first impression Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    25 min

  4. 08/11/2025

    7. How to Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Packaging

    If your packaging hasn’t evolved, your brand might be outgrowing it. Your product’s grown. Has your packaging kept up? In this episode, Kelley Kempel shares six clear signs it’s time for a packaging upgrade—and how to spot them before they cost you sales. From brand misalignment and buyer confusion to stagnant growth and new channel demands, this episode helps you identify when your packaging is holding you back. Whether you’re prepping for wholesale or noticing that “good enough” just isn’t cutting it anymore, you’ll walk away knowing when it’s time to redesign—and why it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Highlights: Signs your packaging is sending the wrong message How outdated design can stall growth and blur your brand What buyers and customers won’t tell you—but feel instantly How to confidently move from DIY to packaging that performs Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    9 min

  5. 08/11/2025

    6. Behind the Scenes of My Packaging Design Process

    What really happens between your idea and retail-ready packaging? Ever wonder how your DIY label becomes packaging that actually sells? In this episode, Kelley Kempel walks you through her step-by-step process—from strategy to final print files. You’ll get a peek behind the curtain of her Packaging Pronto offer and see exactly how she turns a blank dieline into a sales tool built for shelves, buyers, and real growth. From kickoff call to compliance checks, Kelley shares what makes her approach different, why she always starts with the front of the package, and how she ensures every design is functional, beautiful, and ready to move product. Highlights: The exact steps of Kelley’s packaging process (start to finish) How she pulls out the right strategy through questions and creative direction What most designers skip—and why it matters for retail success How she balances brand vision with technical must-haves Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    11 min

  6. 08/11/2025

    5. From Local to Luxe: Salted’s Packaging Glow-Up

    A real-world story of transformation, trust, and shelf-ready success. In this special guest episode, Kelley sits down with the co-founders of Salted—a luxury salted caramel brand making waves in 40+ Canadian boutiques. Christy Jackson, Lynette Hayes, and Jill Price share how strategic packaging helped elevate their brand from startup status to standout. You’ll hear how investing in Packaging Pronto reshaped their retail presence, what it was like to collaborate on a packaging vision, and the surprising ripple effects that followed—from more confident pitches to eye-catching shelf presence and a surge of customer love on social. Highlights: Salted’s journey from kitchen counter to boutique shelves How pro packaging transformed both perception and performance The collaborative process behind their premium look Advice for founders nervous about handing over the design reins Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    26 min

  7. 08/11/2025

    4. The Anatomy of High-Converting Packaging

    It’s not just about looking good—it’s about what works. What actually makes packaging convert? In this episode, Kelley Kempel breaks down the essential elements behind packaging that doesn’t just catch the eye—but closes the sale. From visual hierarchy to messaging to material choices, you’ll learn why each component matters—and how they work together to build trust, communicate value, and drive purchase decisions. With insights pulled from the 2018 Packaging Matters study and two decades of retail experience, Kelley shares a clear blueprint for creating packaging that performs in the real world. Highlights: The #1 design mistake that confuses customers How to build a visual hierarchy that guides buying decisions Why material choices impact perception (and conversion) The key to packaging that aligns with your brand and your goals Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    16 min

  8. 08/11/2025

    3. The ABCs of Packaging That Sells

    Attract. Brag. Connect. The framework your packaging is missing. In this episode, Kelley Kempel introduces the ABCs of packaging that sells—a simple but powerful framework that turns your packaging into a 24/7 salesperson. You’ll learn how to attract attention in seconds, highlight your product’s best benefits without overwhelming the shopper, and create a connection that makes your brand unforgettable. Using real retail insight and founder-tested strategies, Kelley walks you through how to make every inch of your packaging earn its keep—so your product doesn’t just look good, it moves. Highlights: What makes packaging stand out on shelf or screen The right way to “brag” about your product—without overselling How to build trust and brand loyalty through design Kelley’s go-to framework for packaging that pulls its weight Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    9 min

  9. 08/11/2025

    2. The Psychology of Packaging: How Design Influences Buying Decisions

    How design taps into emotion—and drives decisions in seconds. Your product has just a few seconds to make an impression. In this episode, Kelley Kempel unpacks the psychology behind packaging and how smart design influences what (and why) customers buy. Backed by behavioral research and real-world experience, she explores how packaging triggers emotional responses, builds instant trust, and creates shelf-stopping moments in crowded markets. You’ll learn why visual cues matter more than you think—and how to intentionally design packaging that speaks to your ideal customer, fast. Highlights: How shoppers process packaging in milliseconds The science of emotional buying—and what your design is really saying Why packaging isn’t just decoration—it’s persuasion Quick shifts that make your packaging more impactful, instantly Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    9 min

  10. 08/06/2025

    1. Why Packaging Design Matters

    Why packaging isn’t just a label—it’s a lever for growth. In this kickoff episode, Kelley Kempel, retail packaging expert and founder of Hidden Path Creative, shares why packaging is one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in your business. With 20+ years of experience leading packaging design for national retailers like Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kelley breaks down what truly makes packaging strategic, and why that matters when you’re scaling. You’ll hear how Hidden Path was born, why good packaging does more than just “look nice,” and how it shapes everything from shelf visibility to brand recognition. Whether you’re gearing up for Faire, wholesale, or just tired of second-guessing your label, this episode sets the foundation for packaging that sells—and what’s possible when it’s done right. Highlights: Kelley’s journey from big box retail to founder-focused design What small brands get wrong (and right) about packaging The emotional + strategic role of packaging in customer experience Why packaging is your most underutilized sales asset Ready for your packaging to actually sell your product, not just sit on the shelf looking pretty? Apply for your Packaging Pronto day at hiddenpathcreative.com/packagingpronto

    11 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Packaging that looks good is nice—packaging that sells is better. This limited series helps product-based founders turn their packaging into a 24/7 sales tool. Hosted by Kelley Kempel of Packaging Pronto, each episode delivers actionable insights on strategy, compliance, shelf appeal, and real-world results—so you can go from DIY to retail-ready with confidence.

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