email unboxed: mastering Google and Yahoo’s latest inbox standards

written by
Rex Vokey

email trust is here again

Hey there, digital dynamos! It’s time we chat about the elephant in your inbox —  Google and Yahoo are ushering in big, bold changes for email standards. You’ve may have heard the buzz, but let’s dissect what this really means for your newsletters and emails and how we at 300FeetOut can keep your communications sailing smooth.

say what? Google’s got new rules

Google’s stepping up its game, big time. In email terms, this means authentication is the cool kid on the block. Let’s break it down:

• making it easy to say goodbye:  Google and Yahoo are emphasizing the importance of ‘easy unsubscription’ in their new email standards. It’s about empowering recipients, giving them a clear, hassle-free way to unsubscribe when they choose. This isn’t just about being courteous; it’s a strategic move to ensure your email list recipients are real people who signed up for your list and are interested in what you have to share. A clean, respected email list means better engagement, and ultimately, that your message is heard loud and clear.
• authentication is the new signature: if your email doesn’t scream “it’s really me!”, google might just show it the door. it’s all about SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance). These aren’t just fancy acronyms; they’re the ticket to credibility.  These are three things that work together to let people know you are you.  There’s a good chance you already have SPF and DKIM in place, but DMARC is a newer one on the enforcement scene.
• alignment = consistency: alignment here means making sure your visible ‘from’ domain matches the “d= domain” in your DKIM signature. And if there is a mismatch? That’s a faux pas Google and Yahoo won’t let slide. Those emails will stop being delivered.

yahoo’s in on it too

Not to be outdone, Yahoo’s echoing Google’s sentiments. It’s like when the stars align or there is one ring to rule them all.  Yahoo’s making sure senders are who they say they are so it’s all about the handshake – the encrypted kind.

what’s the big deal?

So, why all the hoopla? It’s about trust, dear sender. These tech titans are on a mission to make the inbox a sanctuary, free from the evils of phishing and spam. It’s a digital utopia they’re after, and they’re not skimping on the bouncers.

how we’ve got your back

While a lot of the heavy lifting for these new email requirements might be managed by your email provider, think of them as the base camp on your Everest climb. They’ve got you started, but there’s still a journey ahead to reach the summit. This is where we at 3FO come into play. Sure, your email provider handles the basics of SPF and possibly some aspects of DKIM, but the full alignment with DMARC and the nuances of ensuring your ‘from’ domain is in perfect sync? We’ll help you with that or coordinate with your IT team to help get it into place. We’re here to guide you through the more complex aspects of these changes, ensuring your emails are not just compliant but stand out as exemplars of trust and reliability.  Let’s partner up and tackle this climb together, making sure your emails are not only reaching inboxes but also winning hearts and minds.

• authentication makeover: we’ll spruce up your emails with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, making them the belle of the inbox ball.
• alignment chic: we’ll ensure your ‘from’ domain and DKIM signature are in perfect harmony, like peanut butter and jelly.

ready, set, go!

Changes are afoot, and they’re coming fast. This will start to roll out in February and by June it will be in full force. But with 300FeetOut as your digital sidekick, you’ll not only survive but thrive in this brave new world of email wizardry. Let’s make your emails the talk of the inbox town.

So, what say you? Ready to give your emails a supercharged makeover? Contact us, and let’s get this digital party started!

• Technology