Whilst You're There
I walked past an estate agent today and I noticed something rather clever.
A water bowl for dogs outside the office.
No need to question what I find clever or not…
But in fact, this is a nice, subtle bit of marketing.
Why?
Their dog stops for a drink.
The owners pause, then look at the property listings in front of them.
Attention is captured, even for a moment.
This is the "Whilst I'm There" Bias in action.
People are far more likely to engage with something when it feels like a natural extension, not a new decision.
You grab a bottle of wine, there’s cheese displayed next to it.
You buy a drill, batteries & toolkits are right there.
You pick up new running shoes, headphones are placed next to them.
You book a hotel, and an email follows with car rental deals.
How This Works Online
The longer someone lingers, the more the product, service or brand recall builds. That doesn't mean you have to trap them. Even with a momentary pause, a seed is planted.
Think of this part of your mind as the dog part of your brain...maybe not.
Checkout Upsells. Since the customer is already in buying mode, offering a relevant add-on feels like a logical next step. (E.g., "Since you’re getting X, would you like to add Y for 20% off?")
Email Sequences. If someone has already interacted with your product or service, a well-timed email offering a relevant upsell feels natural. (E.g., "Since you booked a hotel, here’s an exclusive deal on airport transfers.")
Website Placement & Funnels
Smart product pairings on product pages or pop-ups encourage natural add-ons.
Exit-intent offers capture undecided buyers at the last moment ("Before you go - grab this at a discount!").
Post-purchase offers capitalise on existing momentum ("Since you just bought X, Y will help you get even better results!").
Why This Matters
Not every buyer will convert right that second - but that doesn’t mean they won’t later.
Strategic micro-engagements plant the seeds in their mind.
The estate agent isn’t expecting an instant sale, but now that person remembers them, even unconsciously.
The upsell might not convert today, but the buyer will think about it later.
The bundled deal might not be taken, but it positions your brand as helpful and relevant.
You’re not just capturing conversions.
You’re playing the long game, staying top of mind so when the prospect is ready, they come to you.
And sometimes all it takes is a bowl of water.
