Quick answer: Geotagging images does not help you rank in Google's local 3-pack or on Maps. Google has said it does not use image EXIF data for ranking, and independent tests found no effect. Location data in a photo is still useful for record-keeping and organising your files, and you can add or check it in your browser with a geotag tool.
Key takeaways:
- Martin Splitt of Google said in September 2024 that Google does not use image EXIF data for ranking.
- Google Business Profile and other platforms strip location metadata from photos after upload.
- Google says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance and prominence.
- Location data in files is still handy for record-keeping, job tracking and privacy checks.
For years, "geotag your images" has been standard local SEO advice. It is time to retire it. Here is what the evidence says and where your effort is better spent.
Does geotagging photos help local SEO?
No. The sources agree:
- Google: Martin Splitt said at SMX Advanced in September 2024 that Google does not use image EXIF data for ranking (Search Engine Roundtable).
- Whitespark: in October 2024 it called geotagging photos a local SEO myth, citing two tests with no ranking impact and noting metadata is stripped from photos uploaded to Google (Whitespark).
- Sterling Sky: its test on five Business Profiles saw no measurable ranking increase in organic or local pack results, and GBP removed the geotags after upload (Sterling Sky).
Google says local results are mainly based on relevance, distance and prominence (Google Business Profile Help). Photo GPS data is not on that list. See our Google Business Profile photo guide for details.
See what your photo is actually revealing
Drop a photo to view its GPS location and full EXIF. Everything runs in your browser — the file never leaves your device.
Read in your browser. Your photo is not uploaded or stored.
What does help local rankings
Focus on what Google says it uses:
- Relevance: a complete profile with the right categories, services and description.
- Distance: an accurate address and service area. Your listing location is set in your profile, not in your photos.
- Prominence: reviews, links to your website and how well known your business is.
- Real photos: original, sharp, well-lit photos that show your business as it is, kept up to date. Google's photo guidelines ask for photos that represent reality without heavy filters.
- Website basics: descriptive alt text for images, sensible file names and pages for the areas you serve.
When location data in photos is still useful
Not for ranking, but it has real uses:
| Use | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Job and site records | Know which site or address each photo came from |
| Organising a library | Sort and map photos by place in photo apps |
| Correcting wrong coordinates | Phones can save a position that is a street or more off |
| Privacy checks | See what location a photo carries before you post it, and remove it if needed |
How to check or add location data (step by step)
- Get your coordinates. Right-click your business location in Google Maps and copy the latitude and longitude.
- Open the tool. Go to geotag photos online. Nothing to install.
- Drop your photos. Add the images you want to check or tag. They are processed in your browser.
- Apply the location. Paste your coordinates and apply them across the batch, or leave photos untouched if the location is already right.
- Download. Export the set for your records.
For job photos, use each job's location so your archive matches the work. To do many at once, geotag the whole batch.
Bottom line
Do not expect geotagged images to move your local ranking. Put your time into your profile, reviews, real photos and website. Use location data where it serves you, in your own records. Check or edit your photos' location online, free to start, and your photos never leave your device.