As a tradesperson, getting found online by customers in your local area is crucial. That’s where local SEO comes in, helping you rank higher in searches made by people nearby. But did you know that geotagging your images can play a big role in boosting your local visibility?
Geotagging lets search engines know where your photos were taken, connecting them to your business’s location. It’s a simple yet effective way to increase your chances of appearing in local search results and Google Maps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why geotagging is important, how to do it, and the best practices to follow—so you can make sure your images are working as hard as you do.
Why Geotagging is Important for Local SEO
Think of geotagging as giving your images a GPS signal.
When you add a geotag to an image, you're basically telling search engines, 'This photo was taken here'. Now, for a local business like yours, that’s powerful. When someone’s looking for a plumber, electrician, or builder in your area, geotagged images help search engines know you're relevant to that search—and that can mean showing up higher in local results.
Local SEO is all about getting found by people nearby
Search engines like Google love to show results that are geographically relevant to their users.
By geotagging your images, you’re reinforcing to Google that you work in a specific location, whether it’s London, Manchester, or a smaller town. This makes your business more likely to pop up in local searches, especially on Google Maps and in the 'local pack' (those top three businesses that show up on a map at the top of the page). More visibility means more potential customers.
Ultimately, geotagging is just one more way to show search engines where you are and what you do—helping you stay one step ahead of the competition.
And it’s pretty easy to do, so why not give yourself an edge over your local rivals?
Step-by-Step Guide to Geotagging Images
Geotagging your images might sound technical, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started. It’ll take a bit of time, but the payoff—better local SEO for your trade business—is worth it!
1. Choose the Right Image File
Start with images that reflect your local work. Whether it’s a job you’ve done in a specific area or photos of your team in action, make sure the images showcase what you do and where you do it. The more relevant the image is to your trade and location, the better.
2. Add Geolocation Data
Now for the geotagging bit! You’ll need a tool like GeoImgr or a similar EXIF metadata editor. These tools let you attach location data to your images, like the exact latitude and longitude of the job site.
- Upload your image to the tool.
- Find the location on the map or enter the address.
- Add the geolocation data to your image.
Once it’s tagged, this data will be stored in the image file itself—making it visible to search engines like Google.
3. Optimise Image Title and Alt Text
While you’re at it, don’t forget to give your image a clear file name and alt text. Instead of 'IMG_1234.jpg', go for something like 'emergency-plumbing-service-London.jpg'. For the alt text, which helps with accessibility and SEO, include a brief description that mentions your service and location. For example: 'Plumbing service in London, fixing a leaking pipe'. This reinforces the local relevance of your images.
4. Upload the Image to Your Website or Google My Business
Once your image is geotagged and optimised, it’s time to put it to work. Upload the image to your website, blog, or Google My Business (GMB) profile. GMB is especially important for tradespeople—geotagged images here can really help your business stand out when people are searching for services in your area.
By using geotagged images, you’re sending stronger signals to search engines that you’re active in a specific location, which can make a real difference in boosting your local rankings.
Best Practices for Geotagging
To get the most out of geotagging, it’s important to do it right. Here are a few best practices to help you make sure your images work as hard as you do.
Keep Image File Sizes Optimised for the Web
When uploading geotagged images, you don’t want them to slow down your website. Large image files can make your site load slowly, which can frustrate potential customers and hurt your SEO. Before uploading, compress your images using tools like TinyPNG or Compressor.io to make sure they’re fast-loading but still high quality.
Use Location-Based Keywords in File Names and Alt Text
Geotagging isn’t just about the GPS data. You’ll also want to include location-based keywords in the image file name and alt text. This helps search engines make even more sense of your images. Use keywords naturally—don’t stuff them in just for the sake of it. Keep it simple: 'electrician-in-Leeds.jpg' or 'garden-landscaping-Bristol.jpg' will do the trick.
Be Consistent with Your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Search engines rely on consistent information to understand where your business is located. Make sure your NAP—name, address, and phone number—are the same everywhere, including on geotagged images. This helps build trust with search engines and ensures your local rankings stay strong.
Add Geotags to Images in Key Areas
While geotagging every single image on your site isn’t necessary, focus on the ones that matter most—like images on your homepage, service pages, and Google Business Profile. This will help you maximise the impact of your geotags without overloading your website.
Stay Relevant and Up-to-Date
Over time, make it a habit to update or add new geotagged images. Fresh content can signal to search engines that your business is active and relevant. Plus, it’s a great way to show off recent work and keep potential customers engaged.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
While geotagging can boost your local SEO, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your efforts don’t backfire.
1. Overusing Geotags
It might seem like geotagging every single image is a good idea, but overdoing it can come across as spammy to search engines. Only geotag images that are truly relevant to your location and services. Quality over quantity is the key here—focus on the most important images that represent your business and its local presence.
2. Neglecting Image Optimisation
Geotagging alone isn’t enough. If your images are too large or slow down your website, it can hurt your overall SEO performance. Always compress and optimise your images for web use before uploading. A slow site can frustrate users and push your ranking down, no matter how well your images are tagged.
3. Ignoring Image Titles and Alt Text
Some people make the mistake of only geotagging and forgetting about the image title and alt text. These fields are crucial for SEO. Make sure to name your images clearly and include location-based keywords in the alt text. This adds another layer of optimisation that search engines can pick up on, boosting your visibility even further.
4. Geotagging Irrelevant Images
Don’t geotag images that don’t have any direct connection to your location or services. For example, stock photos or generic images don’t need geotags and could confuse search engines. Stick to geotagging images of your work, team, or projects you’ve completed in your local area.
5. Forgetting to Update Old Geotags
If your business location changes, it’s important to update the geotags on your existing images. Leaving outdated geotags can mislead search engines and potential customers, which can negatively impact your local SEO. Stay on top of your geotags to reflect your current location.
Final Thoughts
Geotagging your images is a simple but powerful way to give your local SEO a boost. By adding location data to your photos, you’re helping search engines understand where you are and what services you offer—making it easier for potential customers in your area to find you.
It doesn’t take much time or effort, but geotagging can make a real difference when it comes to standing out in local search results. By following these steps and best practices, you can strengthen your online presence, get ahead of the competition, and attract more local business.
Remember, it’s all about giving search engines the right signals, and geotagging is just another tool to help you succeed. So, take a few minutes, optimise your images, and watch as your local visibility starts to grow.
