How do I set up BIMI with a CMC, and what are common issues?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid explains that a common issue is incorrect DMARC configuration. DMARC must be properly configured, and a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential for BIMI to function correctly.
Email marketer from ZeroBounce explains that BIMI helps differentiate your email from others in the inbox by displaying your verified logo, increasing open rates and brand visibility.
Email marketer from SparkPost shares that with the addition of a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), BIMI offers additional security and brand assurance, creating a more trustworthy email experience for recipients.
Email marketer from Mailhardener explains that a common mistake is using an incorrect DNS record for the BIMI record. The record must be correctly formatted and placed in the right subdomain (_bimi).
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares experience that bezier curves and certain kinds of gradients are the biggest issues with SVG files.
Email marketer from Agari shares that brands should test their BIMI implementation using BIMI validators and email testing tools to ensure it's working correctly before fully deploying it. This helps identify any configuration issues.
Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that using Illustrator and exporting to SVG tiny (newer version of Illustrator at least) get really close, other than bezier curves or gradients.
Email marketer from Twilio Sendgrid responds that a successful BIMI implementation helps enhance brand recognition by ensuring consistent logo display in recipient inboxes, improving trust and brand identity.
Email marketer from OnlyB2B explains that creating a properly formatted SVG logo is crucial, as some SVG features can cause issues. The logo must be in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format and should be validated using BIMI SVG tools.
Email marketer from Reddit user u/email_enthusiast shares that a common issue is the logo not displaying correctly. This often stems from incorrect SVG formatting or the logo not meeting the specific requirements of the BIMI standard.
What the experts say11Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks responds that even a smaller brand with one main domain they monitor would still need help monitoring for quarantine when setting up BIMI.
Expert from Spam Resource provides steps on how to prepare the SVG file by first creating a square file, then converting text to outlines, next flattening all layers, and finally exporting it as SVG Tiny 1.2
Expert from Email Geeks shares to export as EPS, then use an online converter to turn it to SVG, then the BIMI Group's tool to turn it into Tiny PS. The only converter appears to use Inkscape under the hood.
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that BIMI uses strong authentication and helps people know who they are talking to. The visual cue can also build trust in the message and create an overall better experience for the end user.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that the hardest part of CMC implementation was getting the logo converted properly, as it's easy to draw things in Illustrator that break when converting them to a Tiny SVG. He ended up redrawing it from scratch.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that to set up BIMI, you first need DMARC in place in enforcing mode (quarantine or reject). Then, buy the CMC from a Certificate Authority, which will include hosting services and instructions.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that you need to have been using the logo you want to use on your public website homepage for some length of time (at least a year?) before starting the BIMI process.
Expert from Email Geeks mentions that gradients and transparency were their problem with their SVG.
Expert from Email Geeks shares their conviction that graphic design tools weren't the best route to get to SVG Tiny.
Expert from Word to the Wise answers that BIMI gives senders control of their logo and helps subscribers easily recognize email from senders who have implemented strong authentication. This helps give confidence to subscribers and also gives benefits to the senders brand.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Inkscape is a free open source SVG editor that gets you really close when you export an optimized SVG then run it through the Tiny-ps tools from the BIMI group. There is a video on my youtube how to do it
What the documentation says6Technical articles
Documentation from DigiCert explains that a CMC (Certified Mark Certificate) needs to be purchased from an authorized Certificate Authority (CA). This certificate verifies your logo and brand identity.
Documentation from GlobalSign explains that SVG image must be correctly formatted in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) format and should not exceed 32KB in size.
Documentation from Sectigo explains that the certificate authority (CA) needs to be a trusted entity for issuing CMC certificates. Brands must ensure that the CA is authorized to issue these certificates for BIMI.
Documentation from Entrust shares that after getting the CMC, you need to publish a BIMI DNS TXT record. This record points to the location of your SVG logo file and includes the CMC. The record should be placed in the _bimi subdomain.
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that to implement BIMI, you need a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject'. This ensures that only authenticated emails are delivered, protecting your brand and recipients from fraudulent messages.
Documentation from Namecheap explains that, after setting up the DNS records, there can be delays in DNS propagation. This can cause BIMI to not display immediately, requiring patience until the DNS settings propagate across the internet.