How to Use a Blue Yeti - If You're Stuck with One

For years, I've railed against the Blue Yeti microphone. As a radio mentor once taught me, "the worst thing for a bad product is good marketing."

When I consult a podcast from the jump, I always recommend solo podcasters get the Samson Q2U or ATR 2100x microphones - they're actually about the same cost as the Yeti. But occasionally I consult clients who have already bought the Yeti, and they may not be able to return it, or are on a tight budget and can't swing a 100 plus dollar mistake. ThePodcastHost.com has a great review of the Blue Yeti - and it echoes may of the things I've been saying. Plus, if you click the link in the show notes, you'll hear the fantastic accent of the author, Matthew McClean. Essentially, if you have a Blue Yeti, it's best for solo podcasts - the settings to record multiple guests aren't ideal. And most importantly, position the Yeti so you're talking into the SIDE of it, not the TOP. And if you're not sure, plug in headphones and listen to yourself. Most people hate doing that, but it's important. https://www.thepodcasthost.com/equipment/blue-yeti-podcasting-review/

I've spent a lot of time in this podcast bemoaning the downfall of radio - in it's pre-internet heyday, radio DJ's broke new artists. Even 10 years ago - my program director here at Channel 955, Michael McCoy, broke local artist Mike Posner when he heard "Cooler Than Me" on a mixtape. Now, most new content seems to come from YouTube, TikTok, etc. But podcast guru Tom Webster thinks once we figure out music licensing, podcasters will be next to break new artists. Imagine what someone like Mistress Carrie in Boston could do with her show. https://mistresscarrie.com/

Also, Webster and his wife Tamsen are doing a webinar next week on making your podcast pitchable. You just have to subscribe to his newsletter at tomwebster.media. And here's a link to this week's column. https://tomwebster.media/the-last-best-frontier-for-podcasting

Speaking of webinars, the folks at Podfest are doing one, for $10, on best practices using Facebook ads to grow your podcast. Now I've seen mixed results on this strategy, but maybe that's my problem - I didn't have a blueprint. The webinar is Tuesday December 14th. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podlab-workshop-tickets-182204858637

Naming your podcast is important. It needs to be found easily by both Google and actual people. You want something searchable, but unique. Before you name your show, search to see if there are other shows with the same or similar names out there. PodNews has a nice article on the 100 most popular podcast names. It's a good deep dive. https://podnews.net/article/most-popular-podcast-names

OnlyPod.com has a new service that will create a universal link for all things related to your podcast - it will link to various podcast apps, your social media profile, and even donation pages. https://onlypod.com/link

Seems like a good idea - until you click and see it's $49 to buy one. There are tons of other smart link services out there. And the best way to market your show - is with its own website. Even if you use a service like Podpage - here's my referral link. https://www.podpage.com/?via=jon

Next time, I'm doing a special episode of this show - where I'll compare audio between Zoom, Skype, Riverside and Squadcast. Until then, stay healthy and stay safe. Lata!

Find jag on social media @JAGPodcastProductions or online at JAGPodcastProductions.com

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