Summary
A blue checkmark in a cold email indicates the sender has authenticated their email using BIMI, which requires SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate). This authentication confirms the sender's identity and helps prevent phishing. AlphaSights is a legitimate expert network that connects businesses with industry experts, often contacting individuals based on their professional background and offering compensation for participation in surveys. While authentication is crucial, it doesn't guarantee that the email is welcome or relevant. Cold emails, even from authenticated senders like AlphaSights, can still be problematic if the content is not relevant or if the recipient hasn't expressed interest. Thus, the value and legitimacy of the email depend on the user's perspective, and verification of the sender's intent and purpose is always recommended.
Key findings
- BIMI Authentication: A blue checkmark indicates BIMI authentication, requiring SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and a VMC for email validation.
- AlphaSights Legitimacy: AlphaSights is a legitimate company operating as an expert network.
- Cold Email Caveats: Email authentication doesn't guarantee that a cold email is welcome or relevant.
- Verification Importance: Recipients should verify the sender's intent and purpose, even with a blue checkmark.
Key considerations
- Relevance Matters: The effectiveness of cold emails depends heavily on the relevance of the content to the recipient.
- Permission and Consent: Sending emails only to recipients who have expressed interest and regularly cleaning email lists is crucial.
- Authentication Limits: A blue checkmark indicates authentication, but it does not ensure the value or appropriateness of the email.
- User Perspective: The perceived legitimacy and value of an email are subjective and depend on the recipient's needs and circumstances.
What email marketers say
10 marketer opinions
The blue checkmark in a cold email indicates that the sender has authenticated their email using BIMI, which involves setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records and obtaining a VMC. This confirms the sender's identity and helps prevent phishing attacks. AlphaSights is a legitimate expert network firm that connects businesses with industry experts. They often contact individuals based on their professional background, offering compensation for their participation. However, email authentication is not a magical solution for cold emails, and the content must be relevant to the recipient. Even with a blue checkmark, it's essential to verify the sender's identity and purpose, as receiving an email from AlphaSights doesn't automatically indicate a scam.
Key opinions
- BIMI Authentication: A blue checkmark signifies BIMI authentication, requiring SPF, DKIM, DMARC and a VMC.
- AlphaSights Legitimacy: AlphaSights is a legitimate expert network firm.
- Cold Email Relevance: Email authentication does not ensure cold email success; content must be relevant.
- Verification: Even with BIMI, verifying sender identity and intent is crucial.
Key considerations
- Email Authentication Importance: Email authentication is important for building sender reputation and preventing phishing, but it does not guarantee deliverability or engagement.
- Cold Email Effectiveness: The effectiveness of cold emails depends on the relevance of the content and the recipient's interest, even with authentication.
- Data Privacy: Be mindful of data privacy and only send emails to recipients who have expressed interest in receiving them.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that the email from alphasights.com seems legitimate because it has a valid BIMI record, an appropriate DMARC record, and a VMC. He also suggests marking the email as spam if the recipient doesn't want it.
5 Jan 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks confirms that the sender has a valid BIMI and paid for a VMC.
9 Apr 2025 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
The blue checkmark in a cold email primarily indicates that the sender has authenticated their email, using mechanisms like BIMI. While AlphaSights is generally considered a legitimate company, their cold outreach practices can be disruptive. They often contact individuals based on specific skills and offer compensation for participating in surveys. However, a blue checkmark doesn't guarantee the appropriateness or value of the email, and the impact depends on the recipient's perspective.
Key opinions
- Authentication Indication: A blue checkmark signifies that the email is authenticated, though this doesn't guarantee legitimacy beyond that.
- AlphaSights Business Model: AlphaSights operates by connecting experts with companies for surveys, offering compensation for participation.
- Legitimacy vs. Disruption: While AlphaSights is a legitimate company, their cold outreach tactics can be viewed as disruptive.
- User Perspective: The value of such emails depends on the individual recipient's perspective and needs.
Key considerations
- Authentication Alone Is Insufficient: Relying solely on a blue checkmark for judging an email's legitimacy is insufficient; consider the sender's intent and relevance.
- Potential for Disruption: Be aware that cold outreach, even from legitimate sources, can be disruptive to recipients.
- Context Matters: The value and relevance of an email depend heavily on the context and the recipient's individual situation.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that even with authentication and BIMI, cold emails can still be problematic. The blue checkmark indicates authentication, but doesn't guarantee the legitimacy or appropriateness of the sender's outreach methods. He mentions AlphaSights specifically as a company that reaches out with offers that may be seen as unwanted.
6 Mar 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the blue checkmark likely just means the email is authenticated.
7 Dec 2022 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
The blue checkmark in a cold email, particularly within Gmail, signifies that the sender has authenticated their email using BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). BIMI relies on underlying email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and utilizes Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) to visually display the brand's logo. DMARC plays a crucial role in preventing email spoofing and phishing attacks by enabling domain owners to specify how email receivers should handle unauthenticated emails. In essence, the checkmark is a visual cue indicating that the sender has taken steps to verify their identity and protect recipients from malicious emails.
Key findings
- BIMI Authentication: The blue checkmark indicates BIMI authentication, signifying that the sender has implemented measures to verify their identity.
- Reliance on SPF, DKIM, DMARC: BIMI builds upon SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols for email authentication.
- Use of VMCs: Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) are used to visually display the brand's logo, enhancing trust and recognition.
- Phishing Prevention: DMARC plays a vital role in preventing email spoofing and phishing attacks.
Key considerations
- Implementation Requirements: To use a BIMI checkmark, senders must implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC and obtain a VMC.
- Increased Trust: BIMI increases user trust by confirming the sender's identity.
- Visual Identification: BIMI allows the brand's logo to be displayed, making it easier for recipients to visually identify legitimate emails.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Maintaining valid SPF, DKIM, DMARC records, and a valid VMC are crucial for continued authentication and display of the blue checkmark.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that a blue checkmark in Gmail indicates that the sender has authenticated their email using BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). This helps recipients identify legitimate messages and differentiate them from spoofs.
15 Aug 2024 - Google Workspace Admin Help
Technical article
Documentation from BIMI Group explains that in order to use a BIMI checkmark, you need to authenticate your email with SPF, DKIM and DMARC. Then you will need to get a verified mark certificate (VMC) to validate your logo.
6 Jan 2025 - BIMI Group
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