Addressing Google's New Sender Requirements

In 2024, major email providers like Google and Yahoo introduced stricter regulations to improve email delivery and combat spam. To ensure that your SHOPLINE store's emails reach customers' inboxes, it is crucial to understand these requirements and take appropriate action.

New Email Sender Requirements from Google

Starting February 1, 2024, Google implemented new requirements for all email senders delivering messages to Gmail addresses (including @gmail.com and other Google email domains). If your emails don't meet these standards, they may be rejected or marked as spam. Google's requirements are stricter than Yahoo's, so if you comply with Google's rules, you're less likely to face issues with Yahoo Mail as well.

The following is a breakdown of Google's new requirements. Click here to view the official Google guidelines for more details.

Base Requirements (Apply to All Senders):

• Maintain a low spam rate: Aim for a spam rate below 0.10%.
• Avoid impersonation: Don't use "Gmail" or "Google" in your sender name or email address prefix if your email comes from a different domain (e.g., Yahoo).
• Set up email authentication: Implement SPF or DKIM (or both) to verify your sending domain.
• Ensure valid DNS records: Make sure your sending domain or IP address has valid forward and reverse DNS records (also known as PTR records).
• Follow email formatting standards: Format your emails according to the Internet Message Format (RFC 5322).

Advanced Requirements (For Bulk Senders - 5,000+ Emails per Day):

• DMARC validation: Your outgoing mailbox domain must be DMARC-validated.
• One-click unsubscribe: Marketing and subscribed emails must include a clear, one-click unsubscribe option in the email body (without requiring additional clicks).
• Avoid shared domains: Don't use a shared domain for your outgoing mailbox.

Impact of Google's New Rules On SHOPLINE

SHOPLINE automatically sends emails to customers for actions like order confirmations and account creation. These emails are sent from your "customer service mailbox." With Google's new email sender requirements, it's important to adjust your setup to ensure these emails reach your customers.

Here's what you need to do: 

If you have a custom business email address (e.g., @yourcompany.com):

• Configure your SHOPLINE customer service mailbox to use your business email address. Refer to "How to Verify Your Email Domain" for detailed guidance.
• Complete domain verification for your email domain, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC (a new requirement). This helps prevent spam filtering and ensures your emails are verified. Refer to "How to Verify Your Email Domain" for detailed guidance.

If you only use public email addresses (e.g., @hotmail.com, @qq.com):

• Avoid using "Gmail" or "Google" related information in your store name. This information appears as the sender's name in emails, and Google might consider it an impersonation, potentially sending your emails to spam.
• Consider purchasing a custom domain for your store. This allows you to set up a professional email address and complete email domain verification. For guidance on verifying your custom domain, refer to "Verifying Your Customer Service Email Domain."