Summary
Setting up BIMI with a shared IP is possible but requires careful attention to detail. While BIMI is domain-based and not IP-based, the sender's reputation on a shared IP significantly impacts logo display. Key requirements include a DMARC policy set to either p=quarantine or p=reject, proper SPF and DKIM configuration, and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC). Experts recommend warming up the IP address, diligently monitoring DMARC reports, and ensuring ESPs provide adequate support for correct implementation.
Key findings
- BIMI is Domain-Based: BIMI relies on domain authentication standards (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) rather than IP addresses directly.
- DMARC Policy Required: A DMARC policy set to p=quarantine or p=reject is mandatory for BIMI to function.
- VMC Essential: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is needed to display a logo with BIMI.
- Sender Reputation Matters: The sender's reputation on a shared IP significantly impacts BIMI logo display, even if technical requirements are met.
Key considerations
- IP Warmup: Implement a gradual IP warm-up process to establish a positive sender reputation.
- SPF Configuration: Ensure the SPF record includes the shared IP address or the sending provider's designated domain.
- DMARC Monitoring: Diligently monitor DMARC reports to identify and address any authentication issues.
- ESP Support: Engage with your Email Service Provider (ESP) for assistance with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup and monitoring.
- Phased DMARC Implementation: Consider a phased DMARC deployment, starting with 'p=none' to monitor traffic, then 'p=quarantine', and finally 'p=reject'.
What email marketers say
16 marketer opinions
Setting up BIMI with a shared IP is technically feasible, but requires careful attention to domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and sender reputation. While BIMI is domain-based, not IP-based, a shared IP can impact deliverability, affecting logo display. A DMARC policy of p=quarantine or p=reject is essential. Monitoring DMARC reports and warming up the IP address are recommended practices.
Key opinions
- Domain Authentication: BIMI requires strict adherence to domain authentication standards (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Ensure proper setup and alignment.
- DMARC Policy: A DMARC policy of either p=quarantine or p=reject is mandatory for BIMI to function correctly.
- Shared IP Impact: While BIMI is not directly IP-dependent, a shared IP can influence sender reputation and, consequently, BIMI logo display.
- Certificate Inheritance: The BIMI certificate can be obtained for the org domain and inherited by subdomains, provided the BIMI record is published at the org domain level.
Key considerations
- Sender Reputation: Closely monitor sender reputation and IP health, as deliverability issues can hinder BIMI logo display.
- IP Warmup: Implement a gradual IP warmup strategy to establish a positive sending history on the shared IP.
- DMARC Monitoring: Diligently monitor DMARC reports to identify and address any authentication failures promptly.
- SPF Record: The SPF record must include the shared IP address or the sending provider's designated domain to prevent authentication errors.
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow explains the importance of including the shared IP address or the sending provider's designated domain in your SPF record. They emphasize that failing to do so can cause authentication failures and prevent BIMI from functioning correctly.
24 Sep 2021 - StackOverflow
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that while BIMI technically works on shared IPs, sender reputation is critical. They advise closely monitoring deliverability metrics and warming up the IP properly to prevent logo display issues.
29 Dec 2021 - Reddit
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Experts emphasize the need for a proper shared IP warm-up before implementing BIMI, characterized by gradually increasing sending volume and consistent engagement to build a positive sender reputation. Additionally, ESPs using shared IPs should offer comprehensive support and tools to their customers for correct BIMI implementation, including assistance with SPF, DKIM, DMARC setup, and deliverability monitoring.
Key opinions
- IP Warmup Crucial: Properly warming up a shared IP is vital for establishing a positive sender reputation before implementing BIMI.
- ESP Support Needed: ESPs utilizing shared IPs must provide clear guidance and tools to customers for correct BIMI setup.
Key considerations
- Gradual Sending Volume: Implement gradual increases in sending volume during the IP warm-up process.
- Consistent Engagement: Ensure consistent email engagement to build a positive sender reputation.
- SPF/DKIM/DMARC Assistance: Provide support and tools for setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records correctly.
- Deliverability Monitoring: Offer monitoring capabilities to ensure compliance and optimal deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource emphasizes the importance of properly warming up a shared IP address before implementing BIMI. He explains that gradual increases in sending volume and consistent engagement are crucial for establishing a positive sender reputation and ensuring BIMI logo display.
11 Feb 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise advises ESPs using shared IPs to provide clear guidance and tools to their customers for implementing BIMI correctly. This includes assisting with SPF/DKIM/DMARC setup and offering monitoring capabilities to ensure compliance and deliverability.
28 Nov 2022 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Official documentation clarifies that BIMI is compatible with shared IPs as long as domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is correctly configured and a valid DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) is in place. A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required to display a logo. A phased approach to DMARC deployment is recommended to minimize disruption.
Key findings
- IP Independence: BIMI operates independently of IP addresses, making it compatible with shared IP environments.
- DMARC Requirement: A valid DMARC policy set to 'quarantine' or 'reject' is mandatory for BIMI.
- VMC Necessity: A Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) is required to display a logo through BIMI.
Key considerations
- Domain Authentication: Ensure proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
- Sender Reputation: Maintaining a good sender reputation is crucial, especially on shared IPs.
- Phased DMARC Deployment: Consider a phased approach to DMARC deployment to minimize disruption and identify potential issues.
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert Knowledge Base emphasizes that BIMI requires a valid DMARC policy set to either 'quarantine' or 'reject.' It mentions that while a dedicated IP isn't strictly necessary, maintaining a good sender reputation is crucial on shared IPs to ensure logo display.
8 Jul 2022 - DigiCert Knowledge Base
Technical article
Documentation from Entrust Blog highlights the need for a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to display a logo through BIMI. It notes that you can obtain a VMC for your primary domain, even when sending from subdomains on a shared IP, provided your DMARC policy is correctly implemented.
14 Nov 2022 - Entrust Blog
Can I use DMARC with shared IP addresses?
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How do I implement BIMI and get my logo to show in Gmail and Yahoo Mail?
How do I set up BIMI? Is a VMC certificate always required?
How to implement BIMI on a subdomain without affecting the main domain or transactional emails?
What are the requirements to implement BIMI, and which providers support it?
