In the fast-moving world of local search, small businesses are always looking for ways to rise above the competition on Google. You already know reviews matter. Your business description helps. But there’s one powerful, often-overlooked strategy that can give your local SEO a real boost:
Posting tagged images to your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
It’s simple. It’s free. And when done correctly, it can dramatically improve your visibility in Google Maps and local search results.
Let’s break down how it works and why it matters.
???? What Are Tagged Images?
Tagged images are photos that include embedded metadata — also known as EXIF data — which may contain information such as:
Geolocation (latitude & longitude)
Business name
Keywords related to your services
City, state, ZIP code
Date/time captured
Camera details
This data is embedded directly into the image file and is often retained when uploaded to online platforms — including Google.
While Google doesn’t publicly confirm that it uses EXIF data for rankings, many SEO professionals and case studies suggest it has a positive impact on local SEO, particularly when combined with other optimization strategies.
???? Why Tagged Images Help Boost Local SEO
Here’s why uploading tagged photos to your Google Business Profile can help your business rank better locally:
✅ 1. Enhanced Local Relevance
When your images contain geotagged data (coordinates of your business), Google can better associate your profile with a specific location. This strengthens your visibility in local map packs and near-me searches.
✅ 2. Increased Engagement
Photos with real-world scenes, staff, services, and products tend to get more views and interactions. Google favors listings that keep users engaged.
✅ 3. Image Search Optimization
Optimized images may show up in Google Image Search, which also contributes to overall discoverability of your brand.
✅ 4. Stronger Contextual Signals
When images are named and tagged with relevant keywords like “auto repair in Danbury” or “best pizza in New Britain,” it tells Google exactly what your business does — and where you do it.
✅ 5. Supports NAP Consistency
Adding business name, address, and phone number (NAP) into image metadata reinforces your location signals and ties everything together across platforms.
????️ How to Tag (Geotag) Images for Local SEO
Here’s how you can prepare SEO-friendly images before uploading to your Google Business Profile:
1. Rename the Image File
Use descriptive filenames like:
bridgeport-hvac-repair.jpg
hartford-florist-shop-front.jpg
2. Add Metadata (EXIF/Geo Info)
You can use free or paid tools to embed metadata:
GeoImgr (https://geoimgr.com) – Geotags and adds basic metadata
Adobe Bridge or Photoshop – For manual metadata editing
XnView MP – A free desktop image viewer/editor with EXIF options
Be sure to add:
GPS Coordinates (your business location)
Keywords in Title/Description fields
Business name and city
3. Upload to Google Business Profile
Go to your Google Business dashboard:
Navigate to Photos
Click “Add Photos”
Upload your tagged images to relevant sections (Exterior, Interior, Team, Products, etc.)
???? What Kinds of Photos Should You Upload?
Diverse, real-world images build trust and engagement. Try to include:
Storefront photos (great for Google Maps Street View connection)
Interior shots (welcoming environment builds comfort)
Team photos (add personality)
Product or service action shots
Before-and-after images
Happy customers (with permission)
All of these should be geotagged and named with your business niche + city.
⚠️ Quick Tips & Best Practices
Use original images, not stock photos
Stay under 5MB per photo for faster loading
Upload images regularly (Google likes fresh content)
Encourage customers to post their own photos (with check-ins)
???? Real-World Impact: A Quick Case Study
A local landscaping company in Waterbury started uploading weekly geotagged photos of completed jobs. After just 45 days:
Their profile photo views tripled
They moved from position 5 to position 2 in the local pack for “Waterbury landscaping”
New leads mentioned they “found the company through photos on Maps”
Visuals matter — especially when they’re optimized for search.
???? Final Thoughts
Your Google Business Profile is more than just a listing — it’s your local storefront online. And photos are the most engaging content you can add.
By uploading tagged images with geolocation and keyword-rich metadata, you’re telling Google exactly who you are, what you do, and — most importantly — where you do it.
In local SEO, those signals can be the difference between showing up first... or not at all.