How do I troubleshoot BIMI logo not showing after implementation?
Summary
What email marketers say7Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Twitter recommends checking the BIMI record syntax, ensuring the logo SVG is accessible and valid, and verifying that the DMARC policy is enforced. They suggest using online tools to validate each component of the BIMI setup.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that Gmail requires a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for BIMI logos to display. They recommend confirming that the VMC is valid and properly associated with the domain. Without a VMC, Gmail will not display the BIMI logo.
Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that the BIMI logo must be hosted on a secure (HTTPS) server. Ensure the SVG logo is publicly accessible and that the URL in the BIMI record points to the correct location.
Email marketer from Mailhardener Blog shares that common reasons for BIMI failure include incorrect selector in the BIMI record, failing to meet the minimum DMARC requirements, and image formatting issues with the SVG logo. Ensure the SVG is correctly formatted as per the BIMI specification.
Email marketer from Stackoverflow explains that even with correct setup, BIMI can take time to propagate and display across different email providers. Initial implementations may not be immediate. Patience is required. Use the correct DNS record with the logo URL and VMC info.
Email marketer from AuthSMTP shares that although BIMI doesn't directly affect deliverability it enhances brand recognition and builds trust, which can indirectly improve engagement rates. This improved engagement can then positively impact deliverability over time.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that BIMI relies on correct DMARC and BIMI entries. They suggest using a BIMI LookUp tool to verify record correctness and recommend checking BIMI presence on Gmail before expecting it on Yahoo due to Yahoo's specific criteria.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that Yahoo has specific volume and reputation requirements for BIMI logos to display. If you are not a high-volume sender with a good reputation, your logo may not appear, even with correct setup. Direct engagement with Yahoo might be necessary.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential for BIMI, particularly for Gmail. Ensure you have a valid VMC from an authorized provider. They explain a BIMI record without a VMC will not display a logo in Gmail.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that it can take a couple of weeks for BIMI to show up at Yahoo and may require direct contact. They also clarify that a DMARC policy of p=reject or p=quarantine is necessary for ISPs to display the BIMI logo.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from DMARC Analyzer clarifies that a DMARC policy of either 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is required for BIMI to function correctly. A policy of 'p=none' does not provide sufficient security for BIMI implementation. They also suggest checking aggregate reports for any DMARC failures that may be impacting BIMI display.
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that a missing BIMI logo can be caused by several issues, including incorrect DNS record setup, lack of a valid VMC, DMARC policy not set to 'quarantine' or 'reject', or delays in propagation. Check each of these elements to ensure proper implementation.
Documentation from Entrust explains that your BIMI logo's SVG must meet specific criteria: it must be a valid SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) version, must not contain any external links or scripts, and must be hosted on a secure server. It also discusses the process for obtaining a VMC.
Documentation from DigiCert explains that a VMC's validity can be checked via their VMC Inspector tool. Ensure it has not expired, that the certificate details match your organization, and that the DNS records point to the correct location. If there are issues shown with your VMC, it will need to be renewed or reissued.