Implementing BIMI involves a multi-faceted approach with specific technical and strategic requirements. It enhances brand recognition and trust, improving email open rates and customer identification. Google's BIMI pilot program necessitates participation, a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), and a registered trademark (primarily for US organizations). Yahoo also supports BIMI, but doesn't require a VMC. Essential technical elements include DMARC enforcement (p=quarantine or p=reject), a registered trademark through approved intellectual property offices, and a logo in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format. Acquiring a VMC requires identity verification through providers like DigiCert or Entrust. While BIMI protects against phishing by ensuring only authenticated senders display logos, implementation can be challenging, particularly in obtaining trademarks and navigating technical complexities. Costs involve trademark registration, VMC acquisition, and potential professional services. Although BIMI adoption is expanding, it is not yet universally supported and needs performance monitoring, including deliverability, open rates, and engagement metrics.
9 marketer opinions
Implementing BIMI involves several key requirements and considerations. Email marketers have observed BIMI icons for brands like LinkedIn, Groupon, and Indeed. A primary benefit is enhanced brand recognition, leading to improved trust and open rates. Currently, Gmail and Yahoo Mail support BIMI. A significant hurdle in BIMI implementation is securing a registered trademark. Careful planning and execution are crucial, as BIMI can positively impact deliverability and brand visibility. Costs associated with BIMI include trademark registration, VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) acquisition, and potentially professional services. While BIMI adoption is growing, it's not yet universally supported, and monitoring its performance through deliverability, open rates, and engagement metrics is essential. Although the technical aspects can be complex, various resources are available to simplify the process.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit explains that the hardest part of BIMI implementation is often obtaining a registered trademark.
2 Apr 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that Gmail and Yahoo Mail currently support BIMI. Other email providers may adopt BIMI in the future.
31 Oct 2024 - Email on Acid
5 expert opinions
Implementing BIMI involves several technical requirements and considerations related to provider support. For Google's pilot program, participation is mandatory to display logos, requiring both an invitation and a valid VMC (Verified Mark Certificate), which in turn necessitates a registered logo mark (currently US-based organizations only). Yahoo is noted as another supporting provider, but crucially, it does not require a VMC. A strict DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) is essential across implementations to ensure only authenticated senders display logos, mitigating phishing risks. Ultimately, BIMI enhances brand recognition, facilitating easier identification of trusted brands within the inbox.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks confirms that you need to be in the Google BIMI pilot program, as you can't get a VMC without being in the pilot.
9 Apr 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that to have logos shown at Google in their Pilot, you need to be invited to participate in the Pilot, have a valid VMC issued by a participating certificate company, and have a registered logo mark to get the VMC (currently only available to US based orgs).
14 Mar 2023 - Email Geeks
6 technical articles
Implementing BIMI requires several technical and procedural steps. DMARC enforcement with a policy of either 'quarantine' or 'reject' is a fundamental requirement. A registered trademark and a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) are necessary, especially for Google's implementation. Obtaining a VMC involves identity verification with approved providers like DigiCert or Entrust. The logo must be an SVG file, adhering to specific technical standards such as SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format. Trademarks must be registered with approved intellectual property offices. BIMI also bolsters security by guarding against phishing, ensuring only authenticated emails display branded logos.
Technical article
Documentation from Entrust explains the technical requirements for the SVG logo, including that it must be in SVG Tiny Portable/Secure format.
5 Aug 2024 - Entrust
Technical article
Documentation from Agari by HelpSystems shares that BIMI provides added protection against phishing attacks by ensuring only authenticated emails display the brand's logo.
9 Sep 2022 - Agari by HelpSystems
Do I need a trademark in every country for BIMI?
Do I need a VMC for BIMI to work with Google and Gmail?
Does BIMI impact email deliverability?
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 set up BIMI? Is a VMC certificate always required?