SPF, DKIM, DMARC & BIMI: The Email Security Changes That Could Be Costing Your Dealership Business

🚗 Why Dealerships Can’t Ignore Email Authentication

In 2024, Google and Yahoo rolled out new email security requirements, forcing businesses—including dealerships—to implement stronger authentication measures or risk their emails being flagged as spam or blocked entirely.

If your dealership relies on CRM follow-ups, marketing campaigns, or service reminders, these changes could dramatically impact your communication with customers.

📧 The 4 Critical Email Authentication Standards Every Dealer Needs

🔹 SPF (Sender Policy Framework) – Prevents email spoofing by ensuring only authorized servers can send emails on your behalf.

🔹 DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – Verifies email integrity, ensuring messages weren’t altered after being sent.

🔹 DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) – Enforces email security policies, protecting against phishing attacks and unauthorized senders.

🔹 BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) – Displays your dealership’s verified logo in inboxes, increasing trust and brand recognition.

🚨 What Happens If Your Dealership Ignores These Updates?

❌ Lost revenue: Important emails like finance approvals, service reminders, and special offers could be blocked.
❌ Damaged reputation: Without DMARC, fraudsters could spoof your dealership’s domain and send fake emails to customers.
❌ Lower engagement: Emails flagged as spam result in fewer opens, clicks, and conversions.

🔧 How to Check & Fix Your Email Authentication Setup

1️⃣ Check Your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records

• Use email security tools like Google’s Check MX tool or DMARC Analyzer to see if your records are correctly configured.

2️⃣ Set Up BIMI for Brand Visibility

• Verify your domain with a VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) so your dealership’s logo appears in inboxes.

3️⃣ Ensure Third-Party Senders Are Authorized

• CRMs, marketing automation tools, and finance software must be correctly configured to align with SPF and DKIM rules.

4️⃣ Enforce DMARC for Maximum Security

• Set DMARC to at least "quarantine" or "reject" to block unauthorized senders.

🔮 Future-Proof Your Dealership’s Email Strategy

With cybersecurity threats on the rise and email providers tightening restrictions, dealerships that take proactive measures will stay ahead.

🔹 Implement SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and BIMI now—before your emails start disappearing.
🔹 Protect your dealership’s reputation by preventing fraud and phishing attacks.
🔹 Improve email deliverability & engagement with verified, trusted communications.

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