How do I set up BIMI? Is a VMC certificate always required?

Setting up BIMI involves enhancing brand visibility in email inboxes by displaying a logo, with the process requiring a combination of technical configurations and verifications. A DMARC policy set to 'p=quarantine' or 'p=reject' is a fundamental prerequisite. A valid SVG logo must be created, and for optimal compatibility, a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is generally needed, especially for major providers like Gmail. The VMC verifies logo ownership, which helps to prevent phishing. A BIMI DNS record, including the version, logo URL, and (if applicable) the VMC location, must be correctly formatted and published. While some providers, like Yahoo, might display logos without a VMC, this has limited reach. Common setup challenges include DMARC configuration errors, SVG formatting problems, and VMC validation issues. Obtaining a VMC can cost around $1,000 USD and requires demonstrating exclusive logo rights, potentially involving trademark registration. Each mailbox provider may have additional, undisclosed criteria for displaying BIMI logos.

BIMI setup involves several steps to display a brand's logo in email inboxes. Key requirements include DMARC authentication (p=quarantine or p=reject), a valid SVG logo, and a BIMI DNS record. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is generally required, especially for Gmail, to prove logo ownership and prevent phishing. However, some providers like Yahoo may display logos without a VMC. Common challenges include DMARC configuration, SVG formatting, and VMC validation. BIMI enhances brand visibility and trust. The setup can cost around $1,000 USD due to VMC expenses. Each mailbox provider has their criteria for logo display, not unlike reputation and mail placement decisions.

Setting up BIMI necessitates DMARC and often a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate). The VMC mitigates phishing by ensuring only verified logos are displayed. Without a VMC, only certain email providers will display the logo.

BIMI setup, according to documentation, involves enhancing brand visibility by displaying logos in email inboxes, for this a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) is required by most major email providers. The DNS record includes version, logo URL, and the VMC location which is needed to prove ownership and requires demonstrating exclusive rights to the logo as well as trademark registration. Key setup steps: ensure valid DMARC, create the BIMI record, obtain the VMC, publish the BIMI record in DNS, and ensure you use a verified SVG logo.