How do I implement a blue check mark on Gmail with BIMI and VMC?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Reddit explains that VMC costs can vary between $500 to $1500 per year depending on the issuing Certificate Authority. Implementing BIMI itself is free, assuming you already have SPF, DKIM, and DMARC set up correctly.
Email marketer from Validity explains that BIMI helps protect your brand from email spoofing and phishing attacks. A visible logo in the inbox increases customer confidence and engagement.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that VMC costs $1299 for the first domain and $499 for any additional domains on the same logo at Entrust.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Google requires a VMC to show a BIMI logo, but 'we' do not require a VMC.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the check mark is a byproduct of the VMC, at least in Google and iCloud.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that there is no "approval" for mailbox providers who support BIMI; eligibility is based on technical and reputation factors.
Email marketer from Mailhardener explains that BIMI requires a DNS TXT record that points to your SVG logo file hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server. The logo should be a square vector graphic.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that BIMI implementation isn't just for Google and also states they do as well.
Email marketer from SparkPost shares that some mailbox providers like Yahoo and AOL might display your BIMI logo even without a VMC, but Gmail requires a VMC for logo display.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares the steps to implement BIMI, including trademarking the brand icon, getting a VMC, implementing BIMI and VMC setup on the server, and waiting for Google's approval.
Email marketer from EmailDrips shares that implementing BIMI increases brand recognition and improves email deliverability rates as it gives an additional layer of trust.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that BIMI relies on DMARC, SPF, and DKIM for email authentication. Setting up DMARC to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential before you can implement BIMI and display your logo in supporting email clients.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that to implement BIMI with a blue checkmark on Gmail, you need a VMC, which can be obtained from authorized providers like DigiCert or Entrust. The certificate verifies your logo and allows Gmail to display it.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Red Sift explains that for BIMI to work, the SVG logo must be a specific format and accessible via HTTPS. Mailbox providers validate the VMC against the logo and domain reputation.
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that Gmail uses BIMI to display brand logos in recipients' inboxes. Ensure your domain has proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and a valid VMC.
Documentation from DigiCert explains that a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) confirms the ownership of your brand logo and needs to be issued by an authorized Certificate Authority (CA). It also confirms your legal entity and domain.
Documentation from Entrust explains the necessity of a registered trademark for the logo you intend to use with your VMC. The trademark must be registered with a government trademark office.
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that to display the brand indicator, senders must authenticate their emails using SPF and DKIM. They also require a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject'.