AC T I VAT E J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 / / B Y U LT R A M O B I L E
FUTURE PROOF HOW TO
YOUR BUSINESS
SOCIAL MEDIA 101
Build a Following on Instagram for Your Business
RETAILER PROFILE What Has 2020 Taught Ultra Retailers?
A C T I V A T E B Y U LT R A M O B I L E
FUTURE PROOF HOW TO
YOUR BUSINESS
T I P S & T R I C K S T O TA K E I N T O 2 0 2 1
W
ouldn’t it be nice to look into a crystal ball and know what to do today to prepare your business for tomorrow? Unfortunately, we don’t have a crystal ball, but we do have strategy and effective planning to help your business thrive in 2021. Here are some of our best tips from 2020 and some new ones to take your business to the next level this year.
2
JANUARY 2021
S TAY T H O R O U G H
R E V I S I T YO U R B U S I N E S S M O D E L
Even if your immediate area is not experiencing a surge or spike in COVID-19, recent history tells us that the situation can change quickly. So stay thorough in all practices of cleanliness to keep your Customers and employees healthy, as well as your business.
Greek philosopher Plato once wrote, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and it’s never been truer. Now’s the time to ask yourself, are you using all of your expertise to re-invent and improve your business? Are there opportunities to make your business more viable now and in the future?
CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS ONLINE
C O N S I D E R L O O K I N G AT O N E O R A L L O F T H E S E FA C T O R S B E L O W :
Now is a great time to update your store’s social media pages so you can keep in contact with Customers and reassure them that you’re there to help with their wireless needs. Check out our Social Media Series starting in the November 2020 Activate issue. D O N ’ T D E P E N D O N O N E PA R T O F YO U R B U S I N E S S F O R COMPLETE SUCCESS
Many companies achieve success with just one great product. But even if the product is very popular and responsible for generating a chunk of your total revenue, consider thinking about other ways to diversify your products to increase revenue should one be harder to sell or unavailable. Or offer ancillary products to get customers to buy a few more items to go along with their purchase.
4 What you sell 4 Who you sell to 4 How you deliver it P R I O R I T I Z E YO U R H E A LT H
When we’re stressed by situations we can’t control, it can be easy to let our normal, healthy routines slide. Make sure to find balance and be mindful of your own health to stay well, physically and mentally. Take technology breaks to reduce eyestrain, prevent headaches and improve sleep. When things get tough, always try to find the silver lining. Gratitude is a proven antidote to stress and is linked to increased feelings of wellbeing. If you have the resources, doing something for someone else in need improves feelings of value and community, plus it helps someone else!
3
A C T I V A T E B Y U LT R A M O B I L E
retailers tell all W H AT H A S
2020 TAU G H T YO U ?
For every hard time, there’s a lesson or a silver lining to be found. For us, we’ve learned the importance and value of connection. Staying in touch with family near and far, colleagues, and friends has never meant so much and we’re grateful to play a part in keeping your Customers connected.
Here’s what they said... ZACARIAS MURI LLO Z&A Wireless
K ASIM K ISHTA Bestcom Wireless
N E W B R AU N F ELS , TX
CHICAG O, IL
2020 has taught me to value what’s more important in my life and be more appreciative of what I have and never take anything for granted. Live life and be appreciative.
4
This year was a reminder that we shouldn’t take life for granted. We can’t always control what happens around us, but we can control how we choose to react. Let’s hope that 2021 brings better things for all of us.
JANUARY 2021
JIMMY LUBERISSE CDS Technology, Inc
MELODY MC Wireless
DE LR AY B E AC H , F L
FLUSHING , NY
Small businesses that authentically serve their community’s needs during challenging times will uncover loyalty from new and existing customers. On the other side, self-serving companies could find themselves alienating or even angering customers during a crisis.
Staying healthy is the most important thing. Maintain the positive and keep looking forward.
MARIA MAYA El Dorado Western J O LIE T, IL
LUIS Cyber Electronicss BRONX, NY
2020 has taught me to never give up. We were able to find a vaccine for COVID as well as maintaining our business during the pandemic. Those things don’t happen if you quit fighting and trying. Qualify your customer and offer them what they need instead of what makes the most money. That creates a lifetime customer. RIZWAN BAWANY Houston Gadget
Have faith, and stick close to family. Time is of the essence. Give people their roses while they are here.
MAUREEN SOURBIS Niko Comm CHICAG O, IL
Nothing is for granted, be more patient, care of you, your family and everyone. We can be physically distanced, but never socially distanced.
H O U STO N , T X
2020 has taught me how precious life is and how easily we take it for granted. Love your family and be happy about the little things. We all have to look out for each other. XIOMARA GONZALES KJ Electronics LO S A N G ELE S , CA
To cherish family moments. Never takes things for granted. Family gatherings and especially HEALTH. Thanks to Ultra because it helps us to stay connected with family and friends.
FEHD SAKRI Smart Buy Wireless WO RTH, IL
2020 has taught me not to take anything for granted and maintain strong family connections. Business is replaceable, family is not. LEONEL JACOBO Jrs Cellular PHO E NIX, AZ
The biggest lesson that 2020 has taught me is how the simple things in life are taken for granted and how a pandemic can really make you realize that.
5
JANUARY 2021
Believe It, Achieve It SETTING GOALS FOR 2021
Staying on top of your goals can be difficult without an accountability partner. That’s why for this month’s contest we’re challenging you to commit to one goal for 2021. Your commitment enters you into the contest, and if you complete your goal you’ll be entered into another drawing for a grand prize. Easy enough, right? HOW TO WIN
Send an email to RetailerTrivia@ultra.me with one goal for 2021 by January 15th. All entries will be put in a random drawing for a $100 Gift Card. Must Include to Win: 3 Name 3 Business Name 3 City, State 3 Ultra Retailer Code 3 When you started selling Ultra
DECEMBER SOCIAL CONTEST WINNER
We hope your followers enjoyed your Ultra holiday social posts and thank everyone who participated! But there can only be one winner. Congrats to DHAVAL PAREKH from SIMHA TRADING (DBA XCEL WIRELESS) in ROUND LAKE, ILLINOIS! Your $100 gift card is on its way. 7
A C T I V A T E B Y U LT R A M O B I L E
HOW TO MAKE AN
+ PLUS TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD A LOYAL FOLLOWING!
PROFILE FOR YOUR STORE
The benefits of having an Instagram Business Account are many. Instagram has become a popular place for brands to advertise their store offerings and engage with potential Customers by showing their personality. Effective business profiles use Instagram to turn these users into followers, and eventually Customers. Plus, having an Instagram Business Account will get you access to valuable insights about your Customers. Need we say more? Step 1. Create an Instagram Business Account (if you don’t already have a Personal Account) If you don’t have an existing personal account with Instagram, you’ll need to create one. We’ll show you how to convert
8
it into a Business Instagram (it’s easy and it has better features suited for business owners like you). Here’s how to create an Instagram account from scratch Download the Instagram app for iOS, Android, or Windows. Open the app and tap Sign Up. Enter your email address and tap Next. If you want to connect your Instagram Business Account to your Facebook Business Page, make sure to use the same Facebook admin email address to sign up, or tap Log In with Facebook. Choose your username and password and fill in your profile information. Tap Done.
JANUARY 2021
You now have a personal Instagram account that’s ready to convert to a business account. Continue by following the steps below. How to convert a personal Instagram account to a business account Log into your existing personal Instagram account on the app.
The vast majority of Instagram users are under the age of 35, with a fairly close split between male and female users. The United States has the largest number of Instagram users, closely followed by India, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Tap the profile icon to go to your profile.
Here’s some helpful information on who uses Instagram and how they use it.
Tap the three lines icon at the top right of the screen, then tap Settings.
Step 3. Set Goals and Objectives
Tap Switch to Business Profile, then Continue. (Optional) If you want to connect your Instagram Business Account to your Facebook Business Page, follow the prompts to do so. Add contact information: Your Instagram for business account must include an email address, a phone number, or a physical address (or all of these). Tap Done. Step 2. Create an Instagram Strategy Before you can decide what kind of content to post on Instagram, you need to think about who’s going to see it. Figuring out who you’re targeting will be key to deciding what you should post and for whom. Here’s how to find your target audience. • Determine who already buys from you. • Check the analytics on your other social media channels (like your Facebook page) to see who follows you there.
Knowing what you want to accomplish on Instagram will help your business succeed at marketing on Instagram. Are you looking for likes, follows and comments? Those are called vanity metrics and, while they are important, you’ll also want to pay attention to these business metrics on Instragram: Awareness. How many followers do you have? What’s your post reach (the total number of people who have seen your posts)? Engagement. How many people engage (based on likes) with your post? Which posts get the most comments? How many people have shared your posts? Conversion. If your Instagram successfully drives people to your store to purchase, then your profile is “converting” strangers into Customers. You can measure conversion by seeing how many people use Instagram to find your store by asking or using Instagram to promote in-store deals. Step 4. Optimize your Profile
• Do some thorough competitor research.
Make your Instagram bio count.
• Find a clear way to communicate your value to your customer (some examples might be your low prices, that you’re a local business or that you keep people connected)
Your Instagram bio is only 150 characters long, but it needs to do a lot of heavy lifting. It tells first-time visitors who you are, what your brand is all about and why they should care.
9
A C T I V A T E B Y U LT R A M O B I L E
Name and username: These are the only parts of your Instagram profile that are included in Instagram search, so use them wisely. Try to pick a username that’s as close to your store name as possible. Using the same username (also called a “handle”) on all social networks makes it easier for fans to find you. Website: This is the only spot on Instagram where you can post a clickable link, so be sure to include one! Link to your website, your latest blog post, a current campaign, or a special Instagram landing page. Picture: For most businesses, the best profile pic is some version of your logo. Use the same picture you use on other social profiles to help people instantly identify your brand. Contact information: Include your email address, phone number or physical address so fans can connect with you directly from your profile. When you add contact information, Instagram creates corresponding buttons (Call, Email or Get Directions) for your profile. Step 5. Share Great Content Create a visual theme for your brand. Instagram is all about showing visual content, so it’s important to have a recognizable visual identity. This will help fans decide if they like your feed and if they want to follow.
Use natural light. No one looks great with a flash lighting up the oiliest parts of their face and casting weird shadows on their nose and chin. The same is true for product shots. Natural light just makes shadows softer, colors richer and photos nicer to look at. Avoid harsh light. Late afternoon is an unbeatable time to take photos. Cloudy days are better than sunny ones for mid-day shooting. Try different angles. Crouch down, stand on a chair–try different things to get the most interesting version of your shot. Write compelling captions. Instagram may be a visual platform, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your captions. Captions allow you to tell the story that makes the photo meaningful. Captions can make your followers think, laugh and feel a connection to your brand. As you grow your audience, make sure to engage with other similar brands and people who share your values and have fun! Social networks are all about community. A community relevant to your brand already exists on Instagram. You just have to find them. One way to do that is by engaging with people and brands they already follow. Last of all, have fun with it! Let current Customers know that you’ve started a profile in order to start building a following.
Take amazing photos. This is easier said than done. Here are tips to make your photos sing:
WE’RE HERE TO HELP! If you have any questions, reach out to us at ultrasocial@ultra.me and we’ll be happy to help.
10
N OJV AENM UBAERRY 22002201
THE ULTRA MOBILE APP! CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO HELP CUSTOMERS D O W N L O A D T H E A P P.
5
$
BONUS ON NEW ACTIVATIONS who download the app within 24 hours of activation.
02/28/20
Help your Customers manage their Ultra account and remind them to download the Ultra Mobile app. Customers can check their data balance, add more INTL Call Credit and more with the app. We remain committed to helping you and your Customers stay connected with the newest technology and an improved app experience! AVAILABLE ON
11
A C T I V A T E B Y U LT R A M O B I L E
!
START 2021 WITH
BIGGER & BETTER
Incentives TILL JANUARY 31ST
We’re starting the New Year bigger and brighter with a new limited time Retailer incentive.
N E W AC T I VAT I O N & P O R T I N B O N U S
40
$
$20 Activation Bonus on All New 3, 6 and 12 Month Multi-Month Activations + Plus an additional $20 if a Port In
(Paid Out Based on 4th Month Recharge) This is in addition to the 20% Airtime Margin paid on all New Multi-Month SKUs
UPGRADE BONUS
10
$
$10 Upgrade Bonus for every Single-Month Customer that upgrades to any of our 3, 6 or 12 Month Plans or $10 Upgrade Bonus for every 3-Month Customer that upgrades to a 6 or 12 Month Plan
See Retailer Comp FAQs for more details 12
ULTRA MOBILE'S CLASSIC PLAN COMPENSATION PROGRAM
ULTRA CLASSIC PLAN
As you know, we have always been an industry leader Ultra Mobile Retailers will now earn 15% residuals on with paying strong residuals, helping to ensure our new and existing customers in your base!* Yes, that Retailers have recurring revenue with Ultra, we realized is right; we are paying 5x more residuals than before. OM P E Nyour S Ashare! TION PROGRAM that it would help even moreC if we increased
RESIDUALS
INSTANT SPIFF
AIRTIME MARGIN
5
5%
FOR NEW AND EXISTING CUSTOMERS!
15%
$
CLASSIC 1-MONTH PLAN
CLASSIC 1-MONTH PLAN REFILLS
15
10%
2- 24 M O. FOR CLASSIC 1-MONTH 4 - 24 MO. CLASSIC 3-MONTH 4 - 24 M O. F OR EX IST ING CUSTOME R S
5x more
$
residuals residuals than than before. before. 3% FOR MONTHS 25+ 6% IF ON AUTO RENEW
CLASSIC 3-MONTH PLAN
CLASSIC 3-MONTH PLAN REFILLS
AVAILABLE VIA ULTRA MOBILE AUTHORIZED TSPS!
See RETAILER COMP FAQ ULTRA MULTI-MONTH & FLEX PLANS
Earn your Instant Spiff and Airtime Margins with Epay, IAS and T-Cetra for all Ultra Mobile Classic 1-Month and Classic 3-Month Activations. *Paid based on tenure of account.
F OR D ETA ILS
s
C O M P E N S AT I O N P R O G R A M
Multi-Month
YOU'LL EARN
20
%
AIRTIME MARGINS OR AUTO RECHARGE MARGINS
Our goal for the new Multi-Month Plans is to help Customers save more and help our valuable Retailers make more! Here we break down everything you need to know to get paid for growing that base.
Ultra Retailers like you will earn a fixed margin up to 2x the industry standard rate on all Ultra Flex sales you make.
Not getting 20%? Reach out to your Ultra Master Agent or Sales Representative to learn how! Or click here to view our Retailer Comp FAQs now! 13
RETAILER SUPPORT Ultra is supported by our incredible Retailer Support (RSR) Team. Our trained staff strives for one-call resolution while providing technical assistance, as well as general support. We also provide Retailer tools to assist Customers directly on UltraAgents.com via the ‘Manage Subscribers’ tab.
RETAILER SUPPORT CAN BE REACHED AT :
855-664-6638 RETAILER SUPPORT HOURS : English: 6:00a - 6:00p PST / 9:00a - 9:00p EST Spanish (Press 2): 6:00a - 6:00p PST / 9:00a - 9:00p EST Chinese (Press 3): 6:00a - 6:00p PST / 9:00a - 9:00p EST
CUSTOMER SERVICE Please share our Customer Service number with your Customers should they wish to speak with a Care Representative who can provide account support.
Ultra Mobile Customer Service can be reached at 888-777-0446 or by dialing 611 from their mobile phone.
THANKS!