What are the steps for BIMI verification and logo display?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks explains the purpose of BIMI verification is to ensure the sender is who they say they are, can prove they are an agent of the entity using the logo, and that the entity has the rights to use the domain and logo. A certificate attests to these facts, allowing participating mailbox providers to display the logo if they deem the email inbox-worthy.
Email marketer from Twitter mentioned you must have a registered trademark with a qualifying Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to get BIMI working.
Marketer from Email Geeks recommends setting up BIMI basics and testing with Yahoo!, which doesn't require a VMC or CMC, to see if the BIMI logo appears. They also note the increasing interest in verification badges.
Email marketer from Valimail Blog shares that the BIMI verification process involves setting up DMARC, obtaining a VMC from an authorized Certification Authority, and publishing a BIMI DNS record to indicate the location of your brand logo.
Marketer from Email Geeks clarifies that obtaining a BIMI certificate and publishing a record doesn't guarantee logo display; the Mailbox Provider (MBP) still decides if the email is inbox-worthy and applies other criteria.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that BIMI logo visibility depends on factors beyond just implementing BIMI correctly, including sender reputation, email engagement, and the mailbox provider's policies.
Email marketer from SparkPost Blog shares that the BIMI implementation checklist includes setting up DMARC enforcement, obtaining a VMC, creating a properly formatted SVG logo, and publishing the BIMI record in DNS.
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid Blog mentions the benefits of BIMI include increased brand visibility in the inbox, improved brand trust, and enhanced email security through DMARC enforcement.
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog mentions the set-up includes making sure your domain is authenticated using DMARC and then obtaining a verified trademarked logo. Also ensure that logo meets specific format requirements and is published via a BIMI DNS record.
Email marketer from ReturnPath notes that you should see an uplift in your email's deliverability with implementing BIMI. Especially if you had issues with it before.
Email marketer from StackExchange shares that besides the cost of the Verified Mark Certificate, there are no costs for implementing BIMI other than your time. It's worth it for large businesses.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks suggests prioritizing "naked BIMI" (without a Verified Mark Certificate), along with Apple Business Connect, to potentially gain logo display on Apple and Yahoo before deciding if a VMC/CMC is worthwhile.
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that BIMI offers a way to provide a trust signal to the recipient in the inbox, after your email has passed authentication protocols and filtering.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that BIMI provides a visual cue in the inbox and enhances authentication, but requires DMARC enforcement, a registered trademark, and a Verified Mark Certificate.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from DigiCert explains that VMC requirements for BIMI include verifying the organization's legal existence, right to use the logo, and control over the sending domain. It also involves a rigorous vetting process.
Documentation from Agari details it is important to monitor the rollout of BIMI by checking if your logo is displaying correctly in various mailboxes. Also monitor DMARC reports to ensure ongoing authentication compliance.
Documentation from Entrust explains the BIMI DNS record format specifies the location of the brand logo SVG file and optionally the location of the VMC, which helps mailbox providers display the logo alongside authenticated emails.
Documentation from Sectigo states obtaining a VMC involves providing proof of trademark ownership, undergoing a verification process, and purchasing the certificate from an authorized Certificate Authority like Sectigo.
Documentation from BIMI Group Website explains the steps for BIMI implementation: ensure DMARC is set to 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject', obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), update DNS records with the BIMI record pointing to the VMC logo and the VMC authority.