Today, I had the good fortune of being on a Google hangout with some great start-up minds to discuss getting press. Here are four great takeaways to get your site press.

1. Compelling Story

Nothing is more important in getting press than having a compelling story. This doesn't mean one story, an About Us, or a mission statement that makes your company interesting. This is a different story depending on the audience. If you are pitching TechCrunch, your story is going to be very different from even another tech blog, like Mashable. It is going to be EXTREMELY different from a blog like Thrillist.The key is to write the article for the audience of the journalist you are pitching. A lot of times they will actually use what you write, or part of it. The easier you make their job, the better.

2. Strategic Partnerships

Another great way to get press and attention is to partner up with other companies that are commonly in the press. An ambitious example is to get a tech partnership with Google, or maybe your fashion company can now be seen on Nordstrom. These kind of names offer the same thing having a celebrity does—brand recognition. Journalists LOVE to write about recognizable names, so if you can align with them, it can really help. You also get the added benefit of grabbing the attention of your new partner's audience.

3. Guest Blogging

Being an expert on another blog can help you reach other audiences and write in a way that attracts the attention of the audience you are trying to get in front of. If you have a fashion company, writing for a big fashion blog as a guest expert in your line can grab other audiences.

4. Keep it in house

If you are just starting out, don't go hire a big PR firm. Though they do have the Rolodex and connections, no one can pitch your company better than you. A lot of journalists love to hear directly from the source and not their publicist. While you are still trying to break into the press and start your "drum roll," do it yourself or have someone close to you do it. You will have a much higher chance of actually getting seen because your passion will come through. You are also much more likely to really pursue press and push harder because you live with the direct benefits.For any questions or to discuss more, please feel free to email me at erik@hawkemedia.com.