Summary
The Yahoo "Visit Site" link issue in emails, when it points to the wrong website, is most commonly attributed to misconfigurations or caching problems related to BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). Key steps to resolve this involve ensuring that your BIMI record points to the correct brand domain, that your DMARC policy is properly enforced (p=quarantine or p=reject), and that you have a valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) correctly associated with your logo and BIMI record. Additionally, Yahoo's caching mechanisms may cause incorrect information to persist, requiring a manual cache refresh request through Yahoo support. It's also advisable to validate your BIMI setup using online tools and to maintain consistency between your BIMI logo, "Visit Site" link, and overall brand domain. If issues persist, contacting Yahoo support directly with detailed information about your setup is recommended. Finally, review your email headers for any redirects or URL shorteners that may inadvertently point to the wrong site.
Key findings
- BIMI Misconfiguration: The most frequent cause is an incorrect BIMI record pointing to the wrong domain, especially a parent company domain instead of the brand domain.
- DMARC and VMC Requirements: BIMI relies on a strictly enforced DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) and a valid, correctly associated Verified Mark Certificate (VMC).
- Yahoo Cache Issues: Yahoo's caching can retain old or incorrect BIMI information, necessitating a manual cache refresh request.
- Validation Tools: Tools like BIMI validators, MXToolbox, and Litmus can identify errors in your DNS records, VMC setup, and BIMI configuration.
Key considerations
- BIMI Record Correction: Verify and correct your BIMI DNS record to ensure it points to the precise brand domain.
- DMARC Policy Enforcement: Implement and enforce a strict DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) to comply with BIMI requirements.
- VMC Validity: Ensure your VMC is current, correctly validates your logo, and is accurately linked to your BIMI record.
- Cache Refresh Request: Contact Yahoo support to request a manual cache refresh for your domain's BIMI information.
- Consistency Maintenance: Maintain consistency between your BIMI logo, "Visit Site" link, and all other aspects of your brand's online presence. Regularly audit BIMI settings.
- Direct Support: If issues persist, contact Yahoo support directly with all relevant details for personalized assistance.
- Email Header Review: Check email headers for any redirects or URL shorteners inadvertently directing users to the wrong website.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
The Yahoo "Visit Site" link issue primarily stems from incorrect BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) configurations. Several experts and marketers suggest ensuring that the BIMI record points to the correct brand domain, not a parent company domain. Additionally, Yahoo's caching can cause issues, so refreshing the cache or contacting Yahoo support directly is recommended. Utilizing BIMI validators and lookup tools can help identify errors in DNS records or VMC setup. Also, ensure brand consistency by aligning the BIMI logo and "Visit Site" link with the brand's domain and regularly auditing BIMI settings.
Key opinions
- BIMI Configuration: Incorrect BIMI record settings are a primary cause of the wrong "Visit Site" link. Ensure the BIMI record points to the correct brand domain.
- Yahoo Caching: Yahoo's caching can cause incorrect information to be displayed. Requesting a cache refresh from Yahoo support may resolve the issue.
- BIMI Validation Tools: Tools like BIMI validators and lookup tools can help identify errors in DNS records or VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) setup.
- Contact Yahoo Support: Contacting Yahoo support directly with specific details (from address, correct link, screenshots) can help in manually adjusting settings.
Key considerations
- Brand Consistency: Ensure the BIMI logo and the "Visit Site" link align with the brand's domain for consistency.
- Regular Audits: Regularly audit BIMI settings to ensure accuracy and prevent future issues.
- Cache Clearing: Clearing the cache after making changes to DNS records may help in resolving the problem quickly.
- URL Redirects: Check email headers for redirects or URL shorteners which might incorrectly redirect users.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Litmus explains that using their BIMI checker, can identify issues with BIMI setup, including incorrect logo paths or DNS configurations. The Litmus BIMI checker tool provides a detailed report which is good to share with Yahoo support.
30 May 2023 - Litmus
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks advises reaching out to the Yahoo support address at <https://senders.yahooinc.com/bimi> with details about the emails and the issues to correct the "Visit Site" link.
27 May 2022 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts agree that the Yahoo "Visit Site" link issue is primarily linked to BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) and brand control within Yahoo's ecosystem. Correct BIMI record setup and the use of a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) are crucial. Analyzing the raw email can help confirm the source of the problem.
Key opinions
- BIMI as the Root Cause: The "Visit Site" link problem is often due to how Yahoo uses BIMI to display trusted links.
- Importance of Correct Setup: Properly configured BIMI records and VMCs are essential for ensuring the correct link is displayed.
- Raw Email Analysis: Examining the raw email can help pinpoint the source of the incorrect link.
Key considerations
- BIMI Record Validation: Verify the BIMI records are accurately set up and point to the intended domain.
- VMC Validation: Ensure that a valid VMC is in use and correctly associated with the BIMI record.
- Access to Raw Email: Obtain the raw email for analysis to understand how Yahoo is interpreting the BIMI information.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that the "Visit Site" link issue is related to BIMI and how brands control their logo and domain association within Yahoo's ecosystem. It's important to ensure BIMI records are correctly set up and that the correct VMC is used.
11 Jul 2022 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests the Yahoo "Visit Site" link is likely being populated via BIMI, providing a trusted link to the authenticating website. She needs to see raw email to confirm.
17 Sep 2022 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Documentation sources consistently highlight the importance of BIMI, DMARC, and VMC for the correct display of the Yahoo "Visit Site" link. A valid and enforced DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) is required. The VMC must be valid, correctly associated with the BIMI record, and meet trademark requirements. The BIMI DNS TXT record must be properly published and point to the correct SVG logo and VMC location. Improper implementation of any of these components can result in the wrong website being displayed.
Key findings
- DMARC Enforcement: A strict DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) is essential for BIMI to function correctly.
- Valid VMC: A valid Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required to validate the logo and ensure it is displayed properly.
- Correct BIMI DNS TXT Record: The BIMI DNS TXT record must be published correctly and point to the correct SVG logo and VMC location.
Key considerations
- DMARC Policy Implementation: Ensure DMARC policy is correctly implemented and enforced with p=quarantine or p=reject.
- VMC Validation and Association: Verify the VMC is valid, meets trademark requirements, and is correctly associated with the BIMI record.
- BIMI DNS Record Verification: Use a DNS lookup tool to verify the BIMI DNS TXT record is published correctly and contains the right information.
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert clarifies that a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) validates your logo and ensures it's displayed correctly. Make sure your VMC is valid and correctly associated with your BIMI record. An invalid or missing VMC can cause unexpected behavior.
17 Apr 2023 - DigiCert Website
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC Analyzer emphasizes that BIMI requires a strict DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject). Make sure your DMARC policy is correctly implemented and enforced. An invalid or permissive DMARC policy can prevent BIMI from working correctly.
27 Mar 2022 - DMARC Analyzer Website
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