Why Geotagging Matters for Local SEO
Let’s try a small experiment.
Let’s search for the term “French Onion Soup” on Google Maps.
What you will notice in the image below is that Google returned the profiles that had images similar to the search term.
This shows us just how much value Google places on images.
But what if we took it a step further?
What if, instead of just uploading images, we geotagged them?
For small and medium-sized businesses, this isn’t just a minor tweak—it’s a game-changer. When potential customers search for services near them, Google prioritizes businesses that signal strong local relevance.
Geotagging embeds location data into your images and videos, helping search engines understand where your business operates. When done correctly, this can boost your visibility in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find and trust your business.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss how SMBs can use photos and videos to rank higher on Google Maps. Ps. If you would prefer, here is a YouTube video on images
Let’s begin.
How Geotagging Works
When a photo or video is taken, modern smartphones and cameras often embed metadata, including GPS coordinates, into the file. This location data tells search engines where the media was created. When uploaded to a business’s Google Business Profile, social media, or website, this geotagged content reinforces local SEO efforts.
For example, if you own a plumbing business in Chicago and upload geotagged images from various service locations, Google receives multiple signals reinforcing your presence in that area. This increases your credibility and relevance for search queries related to plumbing services in Chicago.
How to Geotag Your Images and Videos
Manually Geotagging Images
- Use Online Tools – Websites like GeoImgr or ExifTool allow you to manually add location coordinates to image metadata.
- Adjust Metadata Before Uploading – Some software allows editing image EXIF data, where geotags are stored.
- Use a GPS-enabled Camera – Many modern devices embed location data automatically.
Geotagging Videos
- Use Video Editing Software – Some professional tools like Adobe Premiere allow adding metadata, including location.
- YouTube Geotagging – When uploading to YouTube, you can manually add the video’s location under the “Advanced Settings” section.
- Social Media Geotagging – Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to tag your location when posting videos.
Challenges of Manual Geotagging
While geotagging is powerful, doing it manually can be time-consuming. Each image and video needs to be properly tagged, named, and optimized before being uploaded strategically. Many businesses struggle to maintain consistency and may miss opportunities to fully leverage their content for local SEO.
How Paige Automates and Optimizes Geotagging
Instead of manually geotagging every image or video, Paige, our AI-powered tool, does it for you—automatically and intelligently.
Here’s how Paige improves your local ranking with images and videos:
- Keyword Optimization: When you upload images to Paige, she optimizes them with relevant keywords, including renaming the files and adding keyword-rich meta descriptions.
- Geotagging: Paige embeds precise location data into your images before uploading them to your GBP.
- Strategic Uploading: Instead of dumping all your photos at once, Paige schedules uploads at the best times to maximize engagement.
- Content Writing & Posting: Paige creates and publishes hyper-specific content directly on your GBP, ensuring your business remains active and relevant.
- Customization & Approval: Prefer to review content before it goes live? Paige can request your approval before publishing.
- Continuous Learning: Paige learns from your website and existing content, ensuring all posts and images align with your brand’s message and local SEO strategy.
The Role of Video in Local SEO and How Paige Helps
Videos have become an essential component of digital marketing. Not only do they engage audiences more effectively, but they also contribute to SEO. When optimized correctly, videos can drive traffic, increase conversions, and improve rankings.
How Paige Uses Video to Boost Your Rankings:
- Creates SEO-Optimized Videos – Paige transforms GBP photos and additional uploaded images into engaging videos with relevant keywords and location data.
- Geotags Videos Automatically – Every video created is embedded with geolocation metadata to strengthen local search relevance.
- Uploads to Multiple Platforms – Paige seamlessly publishes videos on YouTube, Google Business Profile, Facebook, and Instagram, expanding your digital footprint.
- Links Back to GBP – Facebook posts generated by Paige include backlinks to your GBP, driving more traffic and engagement to your profile.
- Consistently Posts Fresh Content – Regularly posting new geotagged video signals to Google that your business is active and relevant in your location.
Why Geotagging and Consistent Posting Matter
Google prioritizes businesses that consistently update their Google Business Profile with relevant, high-quality content. By regularly posting geotagged images and videos, SMBs can:
- Improve their local search rankings.
- Increase engagement with potential customers.
- Establish themselves as trusted authorities in their industry.
- Drive more organic traffic to their website and physical location.
The Bottom Line
Local rankings depend on consistent, optimized content—and geotagged images and videos play a huge role in this. With Paige, SMBs can automate and optimize their visual content strategy without the hassle of manual work.
By letting Paige handle geotagging, keyword optimization, and content distribution, you can focus on running your business while improving your local search presence effortlessly.
Want to see how Paige can boost your Google rankings? Check out Paige here and start optimizing your local presence today!
Thanks, and I’ll see you in the next one!
