Is VMC mandatory for Gmail logo display, and what are the alternative methods?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Litmus shares that Email annotations in Gmail, which are like previews of the email offer a way to increase visibility and engagement even without BIMI. Gmail may or may not show your logo in this view.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares a reference link to the BIMI Group FAQs regarding the impact of BIMI on Annotations.
Email marketer from Mailjet responds stating that while a VMC isn't strictly mandatory for BIMI implementation, Gmail requires it for logo display, though other mail providers may not.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum suggests that consistent branding in email templates, subject lines, and sender names can act as alternatives to a visible logo, especially when a VMC isn't feasible.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that 100% logo coverage in Gmail can be achieved without BIMI using Annotations and a Google-profile logo, referencing a blog post and confirming the Gmail team has stated both methods will work indefinitely.
Email marketer from Peakinbox explains that you can still get 100% logo coverage in Gmail without BIMI, just using Annotations and a Google-profile logo.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that although VMC is needed for Gmail, alternative methods such as using a strong sender reputation and engaging content can indirectly help with brand recognition even without a logo.
Email marketer from Email Weekly shares that VMC's offer tangible benefits such as increased brand recognition and improved trust among recipients, and the rising costs of email marketing means standing out in the inbox is more crucial than ever.
Email marketer from ZeroBounce shares that while BIMI with a VMC doesn't directly guarantee inbox placement, it enhances brand visibility and can indirectly improve deliverability through increased engagement.
Email marketer from Medium details that an alternative way to get a logo is to upload to a Google Profile, but this may go away at some point.
Email marketer from OnlyAccounts shares that even without VMC-backed BIMI, maintaining robust email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for ensuring your emails reach the inbox.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks shares that Annotations are visible in promo sections, while distinguishing between Google Profile and BIMI logos requires manual verification of a valid BIMI record for the domain.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that if a logo appears in Gmail without a VMC, it's not due to BIMI, referencing Google's support documentation.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that Gmail requires a VMC to display a logo with BIMI. However, BIMI provides other benefits like improved brand recognition with other mail providers even without the VMC for Gmail.
Expert from Word to the Wise suggests that although a VMC is needed for Gmail logo display through BIMI, solid email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) remains crucial as an alternative method for improving deliverability and sender reputation, which indirectly aids brand recognition.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that to display a logo in Gmail using BIMI, a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) is required. It verifies the sender's ownership of the logo.
Documentation from DigiCert explains that a VMC validates the trademarked logo being used in BIMI, assuring mail providers and recipients of the legitimacy of the sender.
Documentation from Entrust, a Certificate Authority, details that a VMC is a digital certificate that validates the ownership of a logo used with BIMI, confirming that Gmail and other providers require it to show the logo.
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that Annotations can be implemented alongside BIMI. BIMI takes precedence over Annotations.