What is BIMI?

• BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) is a standard that allows brands to display their logos next to authenticated emails in supported inboxes.
• It builds visual trust and helps recipients instantly recognize legitimate emails.

How BIMI Works

1. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Setup → BIMI requires a strict DMARC policy (quarantine or reject).
2. SVG Logo File → You must have a verified, brand-owned SVG logo.
3. BIMI DNS Record → A TXT record published in DNS tells email providers where to find your logo.

       default._bimi.inboxsensei.com IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://inboxsensei.com/logo.svg; a=https://inboxsensei.com/vmc.pem" 

       v=BIMI1 → Version
       l= → URL of the SVG logo
       a= → (Optional) Verified Mark Certificate (VMC)

Why BIMI Matters

• Trust & Branding: Users see your verified logo, reducing phishing risks.
• Higher Open Rates: Emails with logos stand out visually.
• Industry Trend: Gmail, Yahoo, and Apple are pushing BIMI adoption.
• Competitive Edge: Many businesses haven’t implemented it yet.

Challenges with BIMI

• Requires strict DMARC enforcement, which not all senders use.
• Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) can be expensive ($1000+ annually).
• Limited but growing inbox support (Gmail, Yahoo, Fastmail, Apple Mail on iOS/macOS).

How to Implement BIMI (Step by Step)

1. Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly set.
2. Design or refine your official brand logo in SVG format.
3. Purchase a VMC (optional but recommended) for extra credibility.
4. Host the logo on HTTPS.
5. Publish the BIMI DNS TXT record.
6. Test BIMI adoption using tools like BIMI Inspector or Agari.

🥋 Sensei Tip

“BIMI is like wearing your dojo badge — it shows the world you’re verified, disciplined, and worthy of trust.”