Summary
Updating your Gmail avatar with a logo after switching from SFMC to Braze involves several approaches. The primary method is updating your Google Account profile picture, which is generally linked to your Gmail avatar. For Google Workspace users, administrators can set a company logo or users may have separate avatars controllable in web interface preferences. A Google Business Profile setup *might* also influence the avatar. For a more robust solution suitable for branding, implement Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI), requiring DMARC authentication and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC). Legacy avatars from Google+ may not be easily updated. Other considerations include propagation delays and the correct Google account being used.
Key findings
- Google Account Pic: Updating your Google Account profile picture is the simplest method.
- Workspace Control: Google Workspace admins can set company logos, and users might have separate avatar settings.
- BIMI's Role: BIMI provides a branded logo solution with enhanced security (DMARC, VMC).
- Legacy G+ Issue: Avatars previously linked to Google+ may be problematic to update.
- Google Business Profile: Google Business Profile may influence avatar, but is not guaranteed.
Key considerations
- Correct Account: Ensure you are logged into the correct Google account.
- Workspace Type: The process varies between standard Gmail and Google Workspace accounts.
- BIMI Complexity: BIMI requires technical knowledge and brand certification.
- Propagation Time: Avatar updates might not be immediately visible.
- DMARC Compliance: BIMI mandates DMARC implementation for security.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
Updating a Gmail avatar with a logo involves several approaches. For G-Suite/Google Workspace users, the administrator can set a company logo. Alternatively, updating your Google Account profile picture may change the logo. For a more robust solution, Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) can be implemented, requiring DMARC authentication and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC). A Google Business Profile might also influence the avatar. Older avatars might be linked to the now-defunct Google+. Implementing BIMI also enhances brand trust and email security.
Key opinions
- G-Suite Admin Control: Google Workspace administrators can set a company logo, which may appear as the Gmail avatar for users within the organization.
- Google Account Profile: Updating your Google Account profile picture may change the Gmail avatar across all services.
- BIMI Implementation: Implementing BIMI, which requires DMARC authentication and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), enables brands to display their logo in recipients' inboxes.
- Google Business Profile: Setting up a Google Business Profile may influence the avatar displayed, particularly for business communications.
- Legacy Google+ Link: Older avatars might be linked to the now-defunct Google+, and updating may require linking to a current Google Account.
Key considerations
- Google Workspace vs. Personal Account: The method for updating the avatar may differ depending on whether you're using a Google Workspace account or a personal Gmail account.
- BIMI Requirements: Implementing BIMI requires technical expertise in setting up DMARC, obtaining a VMC, and configuring DNS records.
- Logo Trademark: To obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) for BIMI, your logo must be a registered trademark.
- Propagation Time: After making changes, it may take some time for the updated avatar to propagate across all Google services.
- DMARC Configuration: BIMI requires DMARC to be properly configured, so ensure your email authentication is set up correctly.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailOctopus explains that implementing BIMI involves setting up DMARC, obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), and publishing a BIMI record in your DNS settings. This allows your logo to appear in recipients' inboxes.
12 Feb 2023 - EmailOctopus
Marketer view
Email marketer from Return Path shares that Gmail's handling of avatars has evolved. Initially linked to Google+ profiles, it now relies heavily on BIMI, advising marketers to adopt BIMI for brand logo display in Gmail.
14 Feb 2023 - Return Path
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Updating your Gmail avatar with a logo can be tricky. Older methods tied to Google+ are defunct. Current options include updating your general Google profile picture or using BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). Google Business Profiles might also have an impact. Verizon (Yahoo mail) currently uses BIMI, and Gravatar support is inconsistent. If a prior avatar update occurred via Google+, it might not be updatable using current methods. Remember, changes may take time to propagate.
Key opinions
- Google+ Deprecation: Gmail avatar control via Google+ no longer exists.
- Google Profile Picture: Gmail avatars are typically linked to your Google profile picture; updating this picture is a primary method.
- BIMI as Solution: BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is a modern approach, with Verizon (Yahoo mail) using it currently.
- Google Business Profile Potential: Trying a Google Business Profile might influence the avatar, but this isn't guaranteed.
- Legacy Update Issues: If an avatar was previously updated using Google+, it might not be possible to update it now.
- Gravatar Inconsistency: Gravatar support is limited and inconsistent.
Key considerations
- BIMI Complexity: Implementing BIMI requires technical setup and brand verification.
- Propagation Delay: Changes to the Google profile picture may take time to reflect in Gmail.
- Account Login: Make sure you are logged into the correct Google account when updating your profile picture.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that if the avatar was updated before, it might not be possible to update it now. Gmail transitioned from a G+ system to BIMI, and updating after moving might not be possible.
1 Dec 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Verizon (Yahoo mail) uses BIMI in its web mail and mobile client. Also mentions limited and inconsistent support for Gravatar.
6 Aug 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Updating a Gmail avatar involves either changing your Google Account picture directly, implementing BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), or, if using Google Workspace, having the administrator change the user profile photo. BIMI requires DMARC authentication and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to validate brand ownership.
Key findings
- Google Account Picture Change: You can change your Google Account picture via the 'Personal info' section of your Google Account settings.
- BIMI for Brand Logos: BIMI allows displaying a brand logo next to emails in supporting inboxes.
- Workspace Admin Control: Google Workspace administrators can change user profile photos that appear in Google services, including Gmail.
- VMC for BIMI Validation: BIMI uses Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) to validate brand ownership of the logo.
Key considerations
- Sign-In Requirement: You may need to sign in to your Google Account to change your profile picture.
- BIMI Prerequisites: BIMI requires DMARC authentication and a VMC.
- VMC Issuance: VMCs are issued by a certificate authority after verifying the trademarked status of the logo.
- Workspace Permissions: If using Google Workspace, administrator permissions are needed to change user profile photos.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Guide states that administrators can change user profile photos. These photos appear in Google services, including Gmail.
3 Sep 2021 - Google Workspace Admin Guide
Technical article
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) allows you to display your brand logo next to your emails in supporting inboxes. It requires DMARC authentication and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC).
5 Jul 2021 - BIMI Group
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How can I display my logo in Gmail and Microsoft, and what are the potential security risks?
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How do I implement BIMI and get my logo to show in Gmail and Yahoo Mail?
How do I implement BIMI for email verification in Gmail and Yahoo?
How do I update or change a BIMI logo for Yahoo and what are the size recommendations?
What are the BIMI requirements for SVG files and Yahoo brand recognition?
