Suped

Summary

Setting up BIMI with a CMC involves several crucial steps, starting with ensuring DMARC is enforced with a 'quarantine' or 'reject' policy. Acquiring a CMC from an authorized Certificate Authority (CA) is essential to verify brand identity. A properly formatted SVG logo is paramount, but graphic design tools may not always suffice for the stringent SVG Tiny requirements; Inkscape or online converters might be necessary. The BIMI DNS TXT record must be correctly placed in the _bimi subdomain. Common issues arise from incorrect DMARC configurations, malformed SVG logos (especially with bezier curves, gradients, or transparency), and DNS propagation delays. Successful BIMI implementation enhances brand recognition, trust, and email visibility. Testing the implementation with BIMI validators and considering a VMC for added security are best practices.

Key findings

  • DMARC Enforcement: DMARC must be enforced (quarantine/reject) for BIMI to function.
  • CMC Acquisition: A Certified Mark Certificate (CMC) from a trusted CA is mandatory.
  • SVG Compliance: The SVG logo must adhere to SVG Tiny standards, validated by BIMI SVG tools.
  • DNS Record Accuracy: The BIMI DNS TXT record needs to be accurately placed in the _bimi subdomain.
  • Testing Importance: Thorough testing with BIMI validators is critical before full deployment.
  • Brand Enhancement: Successful BIMI setup boosts brand recognition and customer trust.

Key considerations

  • Logo Design Challenges: Creating a compliant SVG logo can be complex, often requiring specialized tools or redrawing.
  • DMARC Monitoring: Even smaller brands need robust DMARC monitoring for quarantine/reject policies.
  • Logo History: The logo should be established on the brand's website for at least a year before BIMI implementation.
  • SVG Content Restrictions: Be aware of potential issues with bezier curves, gradients, and transparency in SVG files.
  • DNS Propagation Delays: Account for potential delays in DNS propagation after updating records.
  • VMC Consideration: Consider adding a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for enhanced security and brand assurance.

What email marketers say

10 marketer opinions

Setting up BIMI with a CMC involves several steps, and common issues often arise from incorrect configurations. Ensuring DMARC is properly set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential. Creating a correctly formatted SVG logo in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format is crucial, and it should be validated. Using the correct DNS record in the right subdomain (_bimi) is a must. Testing the implementation with BIMI validators is recommended to identify issues. Successfully implementing BIMI can enhance brand recognition, increase open rates, and improve trust. For additional security and brand assurance a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) can be used.

Key opinions

  • DMARC Requirement: DMARC must be properly configured with a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' for BIMI to function.
  • SVG Format: The SVG logo must be in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format and validated using BIMI SVG tools.
  • DNS Record: The DNS record for BIMI must be correctly formatted and placed in the _bimi subdomain.
  • Testing: Brands should test their BIMI implementation using BIMI validators.
  • Brand Recognition: Successful BIMI implementation enhances brand recognition and improves trust.

Key considerations

  • SVG Issues: Bezier curves and certain gradients in SVG files can cause display issues.
  • Testing Tools: Testing with BIMI validators and email testing tools is necessary before full deployment.
  • VMC Addition: Consider using a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) for additional security and brand assurance.
  • Logo Display: Incorrect SVG formatting or not meeting BIMI standards can cause the logo to not display correctly.
  • Enhanced Visibility: BIMI differentiates your emails, increasing open rates and brand visibility.

Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailOnAcid explains that a common issue is incorrect DMARC configuration. DMARC must be properly configured, and a policy of 'quarantine' or 'reject' is essential for BIMI to function correctly.

21 Aug 2023 - EmailOnAcid

Marketer view

Email marketer from ZeroBounce explains that BIMI helps differentiate your email from others in the inbox by displaying your verified logo, increasing open rates and brand visibility.

10 May 2022 - ZeroBounce

What the experts say

11 expert opinions

Setting up BIMI with a CMC requires DMARC enforcement (quarantine/reject), purchasing a CMC from a Certificate Authority, and using a properly formatted SVG logo. A common challenge is SVG conversion, with graphic design tools sometimes proving unsuitable for creating SVG Tiny files. Key benefits of BIMI include enhanced brand control, improved subscriber recognition, and increased trust. Preparing the SVG file can involve converting text to outlines, flattening layers, and exporting as SVG Tiny 1.2, possibly using Inkscape or online converters.

Key opinions

  • DMARC Enforcement: DMARC must be in enforcing mode (quarantine or reject) before setting up BIMI.
  • CMC Purchase: A Certified Mark Certificate (CMC) needs to be purchased from a trusted Certificate Authority.
  • SVG Formatting: Properly formatting the SVG logo is crucial; graphic design tools might not be the best approach for SVG Tiny.
  • Brand Benefits: BIMI enhances brand control, subscriber recognition, and trust through strong authentication.
  • Logo Preparation: Preparing the SVG file involves specific steps like converting text to outlines and flattening layers.

Key considerations

  • Logo Usage Time: Ensure the logo has been in use on the public website for at least a year.
  • Monitoring: Even smaller brands with one domain need help monitoring for quarantine.
  • SVG Conversion: Converting logos to SVG Tiny can be challenging, requiring tools like Inkscape or online converters.
  • Visual Cues: BIMI's visual cues can build trust and improve the user experience.
  • Transparency: Gradients and transparency can cause issues with SVG files.

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks responds that even a smaller brand with one main domain they monitor would still need help monitoring for quarantine when setting up BIMI.

13 Jan 2023 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource provides steps on how to prepare the SVG file by first creating a square file, then converting text to outlines, next flattening all layers, and finally exporting it as SVG Tiny 1.2

7 Feb 2023 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says

6 technical articles

Setting up BIMI with a CMC involves several key steps. First, a DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is required to ensure only authenticated emails are delivered. A CMC must be purchased from an authorized Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the logo and brand identity. After obtaining the CMC, a BIMI DNS TXT record should be published in the _bimi subdomain, pointing to the SVG logo file and including the CMC. The SVG image needs to be correctly formatted in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) format and should not exceed 32KB. Finally, be aware of potential DNS propagation delays after setting up the DNS records.

Key findings

  • DMARC Requirement: A DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is necessary for BIMI implementation.
  • CMC Purchase: A CMC must be purchased from an authorized Certificate Authority (CA) to verify the brand identity.
  • DNS TXT Record: A BIMI DNS TXT record must be published in the _bimi subdomain.
  • SVG Formatting: The SVG image must be in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format and under 32KB in size.
  • DNS Propagation: DNS propagation delays may occur after setting up the DNS records.

Key considerations

  • CA Trust: Ensure the Certificate Authority is a trusted entity for issuing CMC certificates.
  • Record Placement: Correct placement of the BIMI DNS record in the _bimi subdomain is crucial.
  • Logo Format: Strict adherence to the SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format is essential for the logo.
  • Patience Required: Allow time for DNS propagation after making changes to DNS records.

Technical article

Documentation from DigiCert explains that a CMC (Certified Mark Certificate) needs to be purchased from an authorized Certificate Authority (CA). This certificate verifies your logo and brand identity.

5 Jun 2023 - DigiCert

Technical article

Documentation from GlobalSign explains that SVG image must be correctly formatted in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure (SVG Tiny PS) format and should not exceed 32KB in size.

26 Aug 2021 - GlobalSign

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