"Send Us Your Post!"

What Those Social Media Messages Really Mean

I have a question for fellow writers and creators. Every time I share one of my Substack stories on Facebook or Instagram, I get flooded with messages from pages I’ve never heard of.

• “Send us your post.”

• “Share your article with us.”

• “DM us the link.”

• “Submit your story.”

At first, I was flattered. Maybe they wanted to feature my work. Maybe they loved my story about Seven and Paige Turner. Maybe they had discovered BlissDog and wanted to help spread the word.

Then I started wondering. If they can already see the post and share it on their page, why do they need me to send it to them?

The Compliment That Comes With a Question Mark

Many of these messages arrive within seconds of being posted. Some come from pages with dog-related names, and others have large followings. A few appear genuine, while many do not. Some are vague.

And those who flatter can be hard to resist at first. What writer wouldn’t want to hear:

• “We love your content!”

• “Do you want more followers?”

• “Let’s collaborate!”

But they rarely explain who they are, what they plan to do with the content, or why they need me to send something they can easily share themselves.

That raises an important question. Are they trying to help? Or are they trying to sell something?

The Social Media Promotion Industry

After digging around, I discovered that many of these pages are part of a vast social media promotion ecosystem. Sure, some are authentic. They may repost content, showcase creators, or introduce writers to new audiences. Others operate differently. The conversation often begins like this:

• “We want to feature you.”

• “Would you like us to promote your work?”

• “We can help you reach thousands of people.”

Then comes the pitch. A fee. A package. A promotion plan. A promise of followers. A promise of engagement. A promise of growth. I’ve learned that whenever someone guarantees exposure, I immediately become skeptical.

What I’ve Figured Out as a Writer

After decades in public relations, publishing, and media relations, I’ve learned something simple: Real opportunities rarely start with pressure.

Legitimate organizations usually explain who they are and what they want. They have websites and track records. They answer questions. Most importantly, they don’t rush you.

Scammers and questionable promoters, on the other hand, often rely on hype. They want you to act before you think.

My Rule Today

When someone contacts me, I ask these 4 questions.

1. Who are you?

2. What specifically do you want to do with my content?

3. Why can’t you simply share the post that’s already public?

4. Are there any fees involved?

I usually don’t receive any answers, but if I do and they aren’t clear, I move on. There are too many wonderful readers, writers, and dog lovers in the world to waste time chasing vague promises from strangers.

Have You Seen These Messages?

I’m curious. If you’re a fellow Substacker, writer, blogger, artist, photographer, or creator, do you get these messages too? Have you ever had a page ask you to send them a post they could share themselves? Were they legitimate, or did it turn into a sales pitch?

Let me know in the comments. I suspect I’m not the only one wondering what’s really behind those messages.

And please restack this post. The more we share experiences, the easier it becomes for writers and artists to recognize legitimate opportunities and avoid scams.

Thanks for reading BlissDog: Soul Stories About the Human–Animal Bond. While most of my stories are about dogs, every now and then I share a behind-the-scenes look at life as a writer, author, and content creator. If you’d like more dog stories, therapy dog adventures, and reflections on the human-animal bond, subscribe and join us. Seven and Paige Turner would love to have you join the pack. 🐾