BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) enhances email marketing by displaying a brand's logo in recipients' inboxes, increasing brand visibility, trust, and engagement. Successful implementation depends on several best practices: First, correctly configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication protocols, as BIMI relies on DMARC and will not function without proper setup. Obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to validate logo ownership and ensure it is a registered trademark. For logo strategy, begin with a single, consistent logo for brand recognition, although different logos can be used for distinct brands within an organization. While technically multiple selectors can exist, most services currently only utilize the default._bimi selector. Be aware of implementation costs, which include the VMC and potentially trademark registration fees. Currently, BIMI is supported by Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Fastmail, with wider adoption anticipated. Beyond branding, BIMI also contributes to email security, domain reputation improvement, and better email marketing performance by preventing spoofing and ensuring recipients can trust the sender. Finally, BIMI records are published as DNS TXT records under the `default._bimi` subdomain, linking to the SVG logo file.
13 marketer opinions
BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) allows brands to display their logo in recipients' inboxes, increasing brand visibility, trust, and engagement. Key best practices include ensuring proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication, starting with a single, consistent logo for brand recognition, and using different logos for distinct brands under one organization if needed. While technically multiple selectors can be used, most services currently only look at the default._bimi selector. BIMI's implementation costs include obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to validate logo ownership and trademark registration. Currently, BIMI is supported by Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Fastmail, with broader adoption expected. Beyond brand awareness, BIMI also contributes to email security, domain reputation, and improved email marketing performance.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet suggests that if you have multiple brands under one organization, you can use different logos for each brand with BIMI. However, for a single brand, using one consistent logo is generally recommended for brand recognition.
28 Nov 2022 - Mailjet
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks states that they are not aware of any service looking at selectors right now, and that only three companies have publicly expressed support for BIMI: Verizon Media, Google and Fastmail.
18 Jul 2023 - Email Geeks
1 expert opinions
BIMI's functionality is reliant on properly configured DMARC authentication. This means SPF, DKIM, and DMARC must all be correctly implemented and passing for the BIMI logo to display.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise (Steve Jones) explains that BIMI depends on DMARC authentication. Therefore the SPF, DKIM, and DMARC must all be implemented correctly and passing, or else your logo won't show and it won't work.
28 Oct 2024 - Word to the Wise
4 technical articles
BIMI requires a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) and a registered trademark for the logo to ensure its validity and ownership, helping to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks while enhancing brand recognition across supporting email clients. BIMI records are published as DNS TXT records under the `default._bimi` subdomain, containing the URL to the SVG logo file.
Technical article
Documentation from DigiCert shares that a VMC ensures your logo displays consistently across supporting email clients, enhancing brand recognition and trust. It also reduces the likelihood of spoofing and phishing attacks.
18 Nov 2022 - DigiCert
Technical article
Documentation from Let's Encrypt answers that BIMI records are published as DNS TXT records under the `default._bimi` subdomain of your sending domain. The record contains the URL of your SVG logo file.
25 Sep 2023 - community.letsencrypt.org
Can BIMI logos be animated and how do Google profile images interact with BIMI?
Does BIMI require DMARC at the organizational level, and can it be implemented only at the subdomain level?
Does BIMI trickle down to subdomains and how to control subdomain BIMI display?
How do I implement BIMI and get my logo to show in Gmail and Yahoo Mail?
How do I implement BIMI for multiple brands with subdomains?
How do I set up DMARC for BIMI and what are the key considerations?