Feels like I'm doing pretty well for my first match, but I'm starting to get hammered. Any tips?

Hi monconnery, welcome to the forums, for tactics and strategy definitely give this thread a read. I'm not the best person to tell you what to do though.

Which thread?

monconnery wrote:Which thread?

If you click the word 'this' it'll show you. It's a link

If you still can't get to it, go to General and the third of fourth thread down should be titled 'Competitive Guide'. Click on that thread.

Welcome to the forums

A tip I can give you is to not hire the martyr unless you have a very specific reason and use for it (i.e. blowing up someone's mine somehow). What are your other hires instead of that?
I would probably do some speed specialists (smuggler specifically) if you're being attacked. It lets you move drillers and specialists around your outposts quickly.
I wish I could help more but I don't have enough info of your position in the game (upcoming hires, allies and enemies, etc.)
You seem to be doing well if this is your first game, good job and good luck!

Welcome the the forums!
I would suggest talking to any friendly neighbors or neutrals bordering your aggressors and try to have them join you.
If you tell them their forces are away, they may have incentive to help by grabbing some land for themselves, while at the same time helping you.