If you manage a local business, you already know that your Google Business Profile is an important part of your online presence.
Your profile gives potential customers a place to find your business information, read reviews, see photos, visit your website, and learn more about the services you offer.
But what about the photos you upload?
One technique that some local marketers and photographers use is adding geographic information to image files before publishing them. This process is commonly known as geotagging.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to geotag photos, add location information to an image, and prepare that image for use on a Google Business Profile.
I’ll also explain where geotagging fits into a broader local SEO strategy, because adding coordinates to an image by itself is not a magic solution for ranking higher on Google.
What Is Photo Geotagging?
Photo geotagging is the process of adding geographic information to an image file.
This information can include the latitude and longitude associated with where the photo was taken or the location the image legitimately represents.
The information is typically stored as part of the image’s metadata, which can include EXIF data.
For example, imagine you run a real estate marketing business in Philadelphia and create an image for a video about Local Services Ads for Philadelphia real estate agents.
You could add the appropriate Philadelphia coordinates to that image before uploading it to your Google Business Profile.
The important part is making sure the location information is accurate and relevant to the image.
Why Would You Geotag a Photo?
The main reason to geotag an image is to associate it with a real-world location through its metadata.
This can be useful when you’re organizing large collections of location-based photography or creating visual content for businesses that operate in specific service areas.
For example, a business operating in Philadelphia may have photographs of its office, storefront, team, properties, or completed projects.
Adding accurate location information to those images can be part of a broader process for organizing and managing local visual content.
However, there is an important distinction to make.
Geotagging an image does not guarantee better Google rankings.
Google considers many signals when determining local search results. Your Business Profile information, relevance, proximity, reviews, website, links, content, and overall online presence can all matter.
So, rather than treating geotagging as an SEO shortcut, think of it as one small component of a broader local marketing strategy.
What Tool Can You Use to Geotag Photos?
For a simple and affordable workflow, one option is GeoImgr, an online tool that allows you to add geographic information and other metadata to images.
The exact features and supported formats can change over time, so always check the current capabilities of the tool before using it.
If you’re working with client photography, it’s also worth reviewing the privacy and data handling policies of any third-party platform before uploading images.
For ordinary marketing images, however, the process is generally straightforward.
Let’s walk through it.
Step 1: Choose the Photo You Want to Geotag
Start with the image you want to publish.
This could be:
• A professional business photograph
• A property photograph
• A team photograph
• A storefront photograph
• A completed project
• A promotional graphic
• An image related to a video or blog post
The image should have a genuine connection to the business or location you’re targeting.
For example, if you’re creating content for a Philadelphia real estate business, an image associated with that business and its Philadelphia service area makes sense.
Avoid adding a Philadelphia location to an unrelated photograph simply because you want to target Philadelphia.
Accurate information is always the better approach.
Step 2: Find the Correct Coordinates
Next, you’ll need the latitude and longitude for the location.
You can use a reliable map or geographic reference tool to find the coordinates.
If you’re working with a specific business location, you can use the coordinates associated with that location.
If the image represents a broader city or service area, make sure the coordinates you use accurately represent what the image is intended to communicate.
Be Careful With Longitude
One small detail that can cause problems is the longitude value.
Depending on the location, longitude may need to be entered as a negative number.
For example, Philadelphia is west of the Prime Meridian, so its longitude is represented as a negative value.
This is why you may see a minus sign when entering Philadelphia’s longitude.
Always double-check the coordinates before saving them to the image.
A simple mistake can put the image in the wrong geographical location.
Step 3: Upload Your Image to the Geotagging Tool
Once you have your image and coordinates ready, open your chosen geotagging tool and upload the image.
The interface will vary depending on the tool you’re using, but the basic process is usually similar.
You’ll typically have fields where you can enter location information and other image metadata.
Step 4: Enter the Latitude and Longitude
Now enter the correct coordinates for the location associated with your image.
For example, if you’re working with a Philadelphia business, enter the appropriate Philadelphia coordinates.
If you’re working with a specific address, use accurate coordinates for that location instead of simply selecting a random point within the city.
This is particularly important for businesses with multiple locations.
If your company has offices in Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago, make sure each image is associated with the appropriate location.
Step 5: Add a Relevant Description
Some geotagging tools allow you to add additional information to the image.
This may include descriptive text, keywords, or other metadata fields.
Use these fields naturally.
For example, if your image is related to a video about Local Services Ads for Philadelphia real estate agents, the description can explain what the image represents.
You don’t need to fill every available field with keywords.
A simple, accurate description is much better than a long list of repeated phrases.
Step 6: Add the EXIF Information
Once you’ve entered the relevant information, you can save or write the metadata to the image.
EXIF stands for Exchangeable Image File Format. It is a type of metadata commonly associated with digital images.
Depending on the file and the software you’re using, EXIF information can contain details such as camera information, date information, and geographic coordinates.
After writing the information, download the updated image.
Your image is now prepared with the geographic information you entered.
Step 7: Check the Image Before Uploading
Before uploading anything to your Google Business Profile, take a moment to check the file.
Make sure:
• The image opens correctly
• The correct location was entered
• The description is accurate
• The image represents the business or service
• The file quality is suitable for online use
This extra check can prevent simple mistakes.
It’s especially useful if you’re preparing a large batch of images for several business locations.
Step 8: Open Your Google Business Profile
Now it’s time to use the image.
Sign in to the Google account that manages your Business Profile.
If you manage multiple businesses or locations, make sure you’ve selected the correct profile.
For example, if you’re publishing content specifically for your Philadelphia location, make sure you’re working with the Philadelphia Business Profile.
Google Business Profile has evolved over the years, but the basic concept remains the same: it gives businesses a way to manage how they appear across Google’s local ecosystem.
Step 9: Add Your Photo to a Google Business Profile Update
From your Business Profile, create a new update or post and upload the prepared image.
You can then write a short description explaining what the content is about.
For example, if your image relates to a video about Local Services Ads for Philadelphia real estate agents, your post could introduce the video and explain what viewers will learn.
Keep the post natural.
You are writing for real people who may become customers, not simply for search engines.
What Should You Write in the Google Business Profile Post?
A good post should give people a reason to pay attention.
For example, instead of writing:
“Philadelphia real estate Philadelphia realtor Local Services Ads Philadelphia real estate marketing.”
You could write something like:
“Are you a Philadelphia real estate agent looking for another way to generate local leads? In our latest video, we explain how Google Local Services Ads work and what real estate professionals should know before getting started.”
The second example is much more useful.
It tells the reader what the content is about and gives them a reason to click or continue reading.
Does Geotagging Photos Improve Local SEO?
This is probably the biggest question surrounding the technique.
The honest answer is that you should not rely on image geotagging alone to improve your Google rankings.
There is no guarantee that adding GPS coordinates to an image will cause your Google Business Profile or website to rank higher.
Local SEO is much broader than image metadata.
Google looks at many factors when determining local search results, and businesses should focus on building a genuine, consistent local presence.
That means having:
• Accurate business information
• The right Business Profile categories
• Quality business photos
• Genuine customer reviews
• Relevant website content
• Strong service pages
• Local relevance
• Consistent business information
• A useful website experience
• A trustworthy online presence
Geotagging can be part of your workflow, but it should not be the foundation of your local SEO strategy.
Your Google Business Profile Needs More Than Photos
Uploading photos is only one part of managing a Business Profile.
Your profile should be kept accurate and up to date.
Business information should be correct.
Services should be relevant.
Photos should represent the actual business.
Posts and updates should provide useful information.
Reviews should be monitored and responded to appropriately.
If you don’t have time to manage all of this yourself, Momentum 360 also provides Google My Business Management services to help businesses maintain and improve their local presence.
The goal isn’t simply to have a profile.
The goal is to have a profile that represents your business professionally when potential customers find you through Google.
Geotagging and Philadelphia Local Marketing
Let’s go back to the example from the original video.
Suppose you operate a business in Philadelphia and want to reach local customers.
You might create a photograph, video, or graphic about your services.
You could then make sure the image contains accurate location information, publish the image through your Business Profile, and create a useful post around the content.
But you shouldn’t stop there.
Your website should also clearly explain your services and service areas.
Your content should answer questions customers are actually asking.
Your reviews should reflect genuine customer experiences.
Your Google Business Profile should be complete and accurate.
That’s how the individual pieces start working together.
What About Google Local Services Ads?
Local organic visibility isn’t the only way to reach customers through Google.
For eligible businesses, Google Local Services Ads can provide another opportunity to appear when people are actively searching for local services.
This is different from simply optimizing your Business Profile.
Local Services Ads are a paid advertising product designed to connect eligible local businesses with potential customers searching for specific services.
If you’re interested in combining local SEO with paid lead generation, you can learn more about Google Local Service Ads and how they can fit into a broader local marketing strategy.
The important thing is to understand the difference between organic local visibility and paid advertising.
You don’t need to rely on one tactic.
Depending on your business, location, competition, and goals, a combination of strong local SEO and paid lead generation may make more sense.
Use Professional Photography as Part of Your Local Strategy
Your Google Business Profile is visual.
When someone discovers your business through Google, your photos can help create their first impression.
That makes professional photography worth considering.
For real estate businesses, property photography can show potential buyers what a property actually looks like.
For commercial businesses, professional images can showcase your facility, team, services, and finished work.
For businesses with physical locations, high-quality images can help customers understand what they can expect before they arrive.
At Momentum 360, visual marketing goes beyond standard photography.
Our Real Estate 3D Virtual Tours allow potential buyers to explore properties remotely and get a better understanding of the space before scheduling a visit.
You can also use virtual tours for properties to create a more immersive experience for prospective buyers, renters, or visitors.
A Complete Local Marketing Strategy
For businesses with physical locations or defined service areas, your visual content should work together with your broader marketing strategy.
A potential customer might discover you through Google.
They might visit your Business Profile.
They might look at your photos.
They might read your reviews.
They might visit your website.
They might watch a video.
They might even explore a virtual tour before deciding to contact you.
That’s why professional visual marketing can be so valuable.
If you need multiple visual services under one strategy, working with a professional virtual tour company can help bring those pieces together.
A Simple Photo Geotagging Workflow
If you want to follow the process from start to finish, here’s the basic workflow:
1. Select Your Image
Choose a high-quality photograph or graphic that genuinely relates to your business.
2. Identify the Correct Location
Determine the location the image represents.
3. Find the Coordinates
Use a reliable source to find the correct latitude and longitude.
4. Upload the Image
Open your chosen geotagging tool and upload your image.
5. Add the Location
Enter the appropriate latitude and longitude.
6. Add Relevant Information
Write a natural and accurate description if the tool provides metadata fields.
7. Save the Metadata
Write the information to the image and download the updated file.
8. Verify the Image
Double-check the location and image quality.
9. Upload to Google
Add the image to the correct Google Business Profile.
10. Write a Useful Post
Explain what the image represents and give potential customers something useful to learn.
What You Should Avoid When Geotagging Images
There are a few mistakes worth avoiding.
Don’t Use Fake Locations
If a photograph has nothing to do with Philadelphia, don’t add Philadelphia coordinates simply because you want to target Philadelphia.
Don’t Stuff Keywords Into Metadata
Adding dozens of variations of the same keyword isn’t necessary.
Keep descriptions natural and relevant.
Don’t Use Geotagging as Your Entire SEO Strategy
A location tag won’t replace a properly optimized website, a complete Business Profile, genuine reviews, useful content, or a strong local marketing strategy.
Don’t Forget About Image Quality
Location metadata doesn’t make a poor photograph look professional.
Your actual image still matters.
Use clear, relevant, high-quality photography whenever possible.
The Bigger Picture
It’s easy to get caught up in individual SEO techniques.
Geotagging.
Keywords.
EXIF data.
Business Profile posts.
But local marketing works best when all of these activities support a larger goal.
You want someone in Philadelphia searching for your service to find accurate information about your business, see professional images, read genuine reviews, understand what you offer, and have an easy way to contact you.
That’s the real objective.
The technical details should support the customer experience rather than replace it.
Final Thoughts
Geotagging photos is a relatively simple process.
You can use a tool such as GeoImgr to add geographic information to an image, enter the correct coordinates, save the metadata, and prepare the image for use on your Google Business Profile.
If you’re a local business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or another service area, accurate location information can be one part of your broader visual content workflow.
Just don’t treat geotagging as a guaranteed Google ranking technique.
A strong local presence requires much more.
Your Google Business Profile should be accurate and actively managed. Your website should provide useful information. Your photos should represent your business professionally. Your reviews should reflect real customer experiences. Your content should be relevant to the people you want to reach.
And when appropriate, paid options such as Google Local Services Ads can complement your organic local marketing efforts.
If you need help managing your Google presence, creating professional photography, or showcasing your business through immersive virtual tours, contact Momentum 360 to discuss your goals and find the right solution for your business.
