Recently, different social media have grabbed headlines for their paid subscription scheme. Facebook and Instagram launched Meta Verified while Twitter has Twitter Blue. All users who were verified will have a checkmark badge next to their profile and will have access to the platforms’ exclusive feature.
But, this time social media aren’t the only one that will feature a checkmark verification badge. Gmail, the email service provider of Google, has joined the hype by offering its own email verification badge.
You read that right, the next time you received an email, you might see the Gmail checkmark badge next to the name of the sender. On this page, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the new Gmail badge feature. We will also include all the benefits you can get if you’re a marketer.
What Is The Gmail Checkmark Badge?
The Gmail checkmark badge is a small blue icon that appears next to the sender’s name. When you have the Gmail badge, this means that Google has verified your email address. Hover over the blue checkmark, and you can read a note saying “the sender of this email has verified” together with their domain and logo. See the sample email below:
The badge will serve as the trust indicator, confirming that the email came from a legitimate source. With that said, receivers can easily distinguish between verified and unverified emails, allowing you to avoid scammers and spam emails.
“Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and also enables senders to leverage their brand trust. This increases confidence in email sources and gives readers an immersive experience, creating a better email ecosystem for everyone,” Google said in its blog.
The new Gmail badge feature was built upon the platform’s existing Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) feature which was launched way back in 2021. The feature requires the organization to authenticate that the brand logo they’re using actually belongs to them. Those companies that have companies that have already adopted BIMI will automatically receive the Gmail checkmark badge.
How To Get The Gmail Checkmark Badge?
To get a Gmail checkmark badge, you’ll need to set up the BIMI protocol with a verified mark certificate for your domain. You can do this by following these steps:
- Set up your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Get a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) from a trusted provider.
- Configure the VMC according to the instructions provided by the provider.
- Verify your domain with Google.
- Wait for Google to approve your verification request.
Once your domain is verified, Gmail will display a blue checkmark next to your name in the inbox of Gmail users.
How Much Is The Gmail Email Verification Badge?
The Gmail trust indicator badge is completely free. You read that right, unlike the verification badge from social media, you can use it without additional fees. You only need to verify your domain with Google.
But it doesn’t mean that you will not pay anything to get your Gmail badge. As mentioned in the steps above, you need to purchase a Verified Mark Certificate from a third-party provider. The cost of this certificate varies depending on the provider you chose. However, it typically ranges from $1000 to $1500.
Benefits Of Gmail Checkmark Badge To Digital Marketers
For digital marketers, the Gmail checkmark badge can be a valuable tool for building trust with potential customers. Those receivers who see a blue checkmark badge are more likely to believe that it is a legitimate email. This then can considerably increase your open rates, click-through rates, and even your conversion rates.
Having a Gmail checkmark badge feature can also improve the deliverability of your email. Since your account is already verified, your email is less likely to have been sent to spam folders. This is a huge advantage if you’re consistently sending newsletters to your leads or when you are running an email marketing campaign.
Connect With Your Audience Through A Digital Marketing Strategy
If you are serious about email marketing, the new Gmail checkmark badge feature is definitely a worthy investment. It can significantly impact your email marketing result. However, if you want to build a stronger connection with your audience, it’s important to not stick to a single approach. Be Global E-commerce Corporation can help you with that.
We have a team of digital marketers that can help your business attract new audiences, grow leads, and increase conversion. Our team will work closely with you to understand your business and tailor a digital marketing strategy that suits your goal and budget. Contact us today and let’s get started on your digital marketing journey!
