If you send emails to people or you make use of email marketing and you wonder why nothing is happening and why they are not converting, it is because your messages are delivered to people spam box.
But you do not send spam, So why are your messages only found in the spam folder? One best possible reason for this is the lack of the verification tick which makes your messages not seem legit even though it is not a spam.
You can elevate your brand's credibility and establish trust with Gmail's new blue checkmark verification.
This coveted feature enhances email security and authenticity, allowing recipients to easily identify messages from legitimate senders.
What is the Blue Checkmark on Gmail?
The blue checkmark signifies Google's confirmation of the sender's identity. This verification adds a layer of trust, ensuring emails are genuine and not malicious.
This feature is available to all Google Workspace users. It provides enhanced email verification and brand recognition.
Why is the Blue Checkmark Important for Marketers?
Gmail users can trust messages from verified senders, thanks to the blue checkmark. Google's commitment to safety is reinforced, offering an extra layer of credibility to email sources.
Prerequisites for Getting the Blue Checkmark
Before proceeding, gather the following:
✔️ Your unique logo
✔️ Some little DNS knowledge
✔️ Access to your DNS provider
✔️ Familiarity with .SVG files
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Gmail Blue Checkmark
1. Add SPF (Sender Policy Framework):
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is like a virtual stamp of approval for your emails.
By adding a specific code to your domain's settings, you're telling email receivers that your messages are legitimate and not pretending to be something they're not.
It's a way to prevent spammers from using your email address for malicious activities. So, when you set up SPF, it's like putting a security seal on your emails, assuring recipients that your messages are genuine and enhancing your overall email credibility.
To set SPF;
Add the following TXT record to your DNS:
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
2. Set DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail):
DKIM, or DomainKeys Identified Mail, is a security measure that helps ensure the authenticity of emails.
It works by adding a digital signature to outgoing messages, allowing recipients to verify that the email was indeed sent by the claimed sender and hasn't been tampered with during transit.
This signature, when validated, provides an added layer of trust, helping users distinguish legitimate emails from potential phishing or malicious attempts. In essence, DKIM plays a crucial role in safeguarding email communication by confirming the identity of the sender, contributing to a more secure and trustworthy online experience.
To set DKIM;
π Access Google Workspace Admin Console.
π Navigate to Apps > Google Workspace > Gmail > Authenticate email.
π Follow instructions to set up DKIM for your domain.
3. Set up DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance):
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is a security protocol that helps prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.
It works by allowing email senders to specify policies for how emails from their domain should be handled if they fail authentication checks.
These policies can include instructions to reject or quarantine suspicious emails, as well as provide feedback to the sender about delivery attempts.
In simple terms, DMARC helps ensure that emails claiming to be from a particular domain are actually from that domain, reducing the risk of fraudulent activity and improving email security.
To set DMARC;
π Create a policy record with specified parameters.
v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com; pct=100; adkim=s; aspf=s(replace “yourdomain.com” with your actual domain)
π Add DNS TXT record for _dmarc.yourdomain.com. with the DMArC record text above.
4. Setting Up VMC (Verified Mark Certificate):
Google requires your logo to be trademarked and registered with a Verified Mark Certificate authority (VMC)
VMC is a credential issued by trusted authorities like DigiCert or Entrust, confirming the legitimacy of a brand's logo.
To obtain a Gmail Blue Checkmark, essential for email credibility, your logo must be trademarked and registered with a VMC authority.
This certificate adds an extra layer of authenticity, reassuring recipients that your emails are genuine and not malicious.
Once successfully obtained and implemented, the Gmail Blue Checkmark enhances your brand's credibility, fostering trust among recipients and potentially improving email conversions.
To get and set VMC;
π Obtain a Verified Mark Certificate from services like DigiCert or Entrust.
π Upload the certificate as a publicly accessible asset on your website. You can add it in media kit page or similar
5. Setting Up BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification):
BIMI, or Brand Indicators for Message Identification, is a crucial feature that enhances the credibility of your emails.
In simple terms, it involves adding a tiny, verified logo to your messages, which Gmail then displays as a blue checkmark next to your name.
This checkmark assures recipients that your emails are legitimate and not malicious, fostering trust and credibility.
To set BIMI for your emails;
π Convert your logo to Tiny SVG 1.2 format.
π Verify adherence to BIMI guidelines.
π Upload the SVG logo to your website.
π Create a BIMI record using the generation tool and add it to your DNS as a TXT record.
Confirming Success and Verifying Your Logo
Use the BIMI inspector tool to ensure correct setup. Once verified, recipients will see a blue checkmark next to your name, indicating successful verification.
Congratulations! You've secured the coveted blue checkmark, enhancing your brand's credibility and trust among your audience.
By following the step-by-step guide, including obtaining a Verified Mark Certificate for your logo and adhering to specific DNS and format requirements, you can unlock Gmail's Blue Checkmark, significantly boosting your brand's credibility and ensuring your messages stand out as trustworthy in recipients' inboxes.
Happy marketing!✊πΎ
