BIMI stands for
Brand Indicators for Message Identification. It is an email standard that enables the use of brand-controlled logos within supported email clients. This helps in enhancing email authentication and increasing brand visibility in the recipient's inbox.
BIMI works by displaying a brand's logo next to authenticated email messages. To implement BIMI, brands need to have a
DMARC policy in place, which ensures that emails are properly authenticated using SPF and/or DKIM. Once the DMARC policy is set, brands can add a BIMI record to their DNS.
BIMI provides several benefits to both senders and recipients. For senders, it enhances
brand recognition and trust, as recipients can easily identify legitimate emails. For recipients, it adds an extra layer of security, helping them to quickly spot fraudulent emails.
Steps to Implement BIMI
Implementing BIMI involves several steps:
Ensure your domain has a stringent DMARC policy (preferably set to "quarantine" or "reject").
Design and upload an SVG version of your logo.
Create a BIMI DNS record with the location of your logo.
Optionally, obtain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), which adds an extra layer of trust.
While BIMI offers many benefits, there are some challenges to consider. Firstly, not all email clients currently support BIMI, which limits its reach. Secondly, setting up a DMARC policy can be technically complex, requiring a good understanding of email authentication protocols.
Future of BIMI
The adoption of BIMI is expected to grow as more email clients start to support it. With increasing concerns over email security and
phishing attacks, BIMI provides a valuable tool for enhancing email trust and security. As the ecosystem matures, we can expect more brands to adopt BIMI to improve their email marketing efforts.
Conclusion
BIMI represents a significant advancement in email marketing and security. By enabling brands to display their logos in email clients, it enhances both brand visibility and email authentication. While there are challenges to implementation, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment for brands looking to improve their email marketing strategy.