How do I update my Gmail avatar with a logo after switching from SFMC to Braze?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from EmailOctopus explains that implementing BIMI involves setting up DMARC, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), and publishing a BIMI record in your DNS settings. This allows your logo to appear in recipients' inboxes.
Email marketer from Return Path shares that Gmail's handling of avatars has evolved. Initially linked to Google+ profiles, it now relies heavily on BIMI, advising marketers to adopt BIMI for brand logo display in Gmail.
Email marketer from Reddit suggests that if you are using Google Workspace, the admin can set a company logo, which may appear as the avatar. Check your Google Workspace settings.
Email marketer from Google Help Community explains that to change the profile picture, go to your Google Account, then Personal info, then Profile picture. You can then choose a new photo.
Marketer from Email Geeks mentions that Gmail (G-Suite) has a separate avatar controllable in web interface preferences, working for Gmail-to-Gmail communication.
Email marketer from Local SEO Tactics shares that setting up a Google Business Profile might influence the avatar displayed for your email address, especially for business-related communications, though it's not guaranteed for personal Gmail accounts.
Email marketer from Constant Contact shares that BIMI is a specification that allows brands to display their logo alongside authenticated email messages, providing a visual indicator of trust and legitimacy.
Email marketer from Mailhardener notes that BIMI not only displays your logo but also enhances brand trust and email security by requiring strong authentication (DMARC).
Email marketer from Stack Overflow mentions that updating your Google account profile picture will change the logo everywhere. Suggests checking if the current logo is from an old Google+ profile and linking it to a current Google Account.
Email marketer from DMARC Analyzer states that BIMI offers several advantages, including increased brand recognition, improved email deliverability (due to enhanced authentication), and protection against email spoofing.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks shares that if the avatar was updated before, it might not be possible to update it now. Gmail transitioned from a G+ system to BIMI, and updating after moving might not be possible.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Verizon (Yahoo mail) uses BIMI in its web mail and mobile client. Also mentions limited and inconsistent support for Gravatar.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that Gmail avatars are typically tied to your Google profile picture. Make sure you are logged into the correct Google account and update the profile picture there. It may take some time for the changes to propagate.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Gmail avatar control used to be managed by Google+, which no longer exists. Suggests trying Google business profiles or waiting for Google's BIMI pilot later in 2020.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Guide states that administrators can change user profile photos. These photos appear in Google services, including Gmail.
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) allows you to display your brand logo next to your emails in supporting inboxes. It requires DMARC authentication and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC).
Documentation from Google Support explains that to change your Google Account picture, go to your Google Account. You might need to sign in. Under 'Personal info,' tap 'Profile picture'. Your profile picture will appear. Tap 'Change' then 'Choose a new profile picture'.
Documentation from Entrust explains that BIMI uses Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) to validate brand ownership of the logo. A VMC is issued by a certificate authority after verifying the trademarked status of the logo.