Implementing a blue check mark in Gmail using BIMI and VMC involves several key steps. First, ensure your domain's email is authenticated with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC set to 'quarantine' or 'reject'. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is essential for Gmail and confirms ownership of your trademarked logo, which must be obtained from an authorized Certificate Authority like DigiCert or Entrust. Create a BIMI DNS TXT record pointing to a secure (HTTPS) server hosting your square SVG logo. While some providers display BIMI logos without a VMC, Gmail requires one. The VMC costs vary, with initial domain costs higher than additional domains, and are validated against the logo and domain reputation. BIMI enhances brand recognition, improves deliverability, and protects against spoofing. Note there's no formal 'approval' process; eligibility depends on technical compliance and reputation.
11 marketer opinions
Implementing a blue check mark in Gmail using BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) and VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) involves several steps and considerations. Key requirements include setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication protocols, obtaining a VMC from an authorized Certificate Authority after trademarking your brand logo, and creating a BIMI DNS TXT record that points to your hosted SVG logo file. While some mailbox providers may display BIMI logos without a VMC, Gmail specifically requires it. Costs for VMCs can range from $500 to $1500 annually, though implementation of BIMI itself can be free if authentication protocols are already in place. Implementing BIMI increases brand recognition, improves email deliverability, and protects against spoofing and phishing attacks. Eligibility for displaying the BIMI logo is based on technical and reputation factors rather than a formal approval process.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit explains that VMC costs can vary between $500 to $1500 per year depending on the issuing Certificate Authority. Implementing BIMI itself is free, assuming you already have SPF, DKIM, and DMARC set up correctly.
18 Jan 2022 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from Validity explains that BIMI helps protect your brand from email spoofing and phishing attacks. A visible logo in the inbox increases customer confidence and engagement.
5 Sep 2023 - Validity
2 expert opinions
Implementing a blue check mark on Gmail through BIMI requires obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from authorized providers like DigiCert or Entrust, which verifies your logo. Equally crucial is ensuring proper email authentication through SPF, DKIM, and especially DMARC, which should be configured to either 'quarantine' or 'reject' to satisfy BIMI's requirements.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that BIMI relies on DMARC, SPF, and DKIM for email authentication. Setting up DMARC to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential before you can implement BIMI and display your logo in supporting email clients.
4 Jul 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that to implement BIMI with a blue checkmark on Gmail, you need a VMC, which can be obtained from authorized providers like DigiCert or Entrust. The certificate verifies your logo and allows Gmail to display it.
7 Jan 2023 - Spam Resource
5 technical articles
Implementing a blue check mark on Gmail with BIMI and VMC requires several steps, beginning with ensuring proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC set to 'quarantine' or 'reject'). A VMC, obtained from an authorized Certificate Authority like DigiCert or Entrust, is essential and confirms ownership of the brand logo and validates the legal entity. The logo intended for use must be a registered trademark. Finally, the logo must be in SVG format and accessible via HTTPS. Mailbox providers, like Gmail, validate the VMC against the logo and domain reputation to ensure BIMI compliance.
Technical article
Documentation from Red Sift explains that for BIMI to work, the SVG logo must be a specific format and accessible via HTTPS. Mailbox providers validate the VMC against the logo and domain reputation.
31 Jul 2024 - Red Sift
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that Gmail uses BIMI to display brand logos in recipients' inboxes. Ensure your domain has proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and a valid VMC.
21 Aug 2022 - Google Workspace Admin Help
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