WordPress 6.5 Introduces Lastmod Date for Sitemap Files
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization, staying up to date with the latest features and updates is crucial for website owners. One such update that has recently been introduced is the inclusion of the lastmod date in sitemap files, and WordPress version 6.5 now supports this feature.
The lastmod element is an important signal for search engines as it helps them understand which pieces of content on a website are new or updated. By including the lastmod date in sitemap files, website owners can improve crawl efficiency for search engine crawlers and reduce server load on their websites.
Gary Illyes from Google emphasized the significance of the lastmod element in a recent LinkedIn post, stating that it helps crawlers determine how often to crawl pages. He also praised Pascal Birchler and the WordPress developer community for natively populating this field in WordPress version 6.5.
Fabrice Canel from Bing also expressed his appreciation for this new feature, calling it a game-changer for millions of websites. The integration of the lastmod signal within sitemaps provides valuable data insight about content changes, allowing website owners to optimize crawling activities and ensure content freshness in search engines.
Canel further encouraged website owners to adopt IndexNow, a tool that offers real-time indexing, in conjunction with sitemaps featuring the lastmod element. This combination ensures comprehensive and fresh coverage for better online visibility.
Currently, approximately 21% of WordPress installations are using version 6.5. If you are a WordPress user, it is recommended to check your version and upgrade to take advantage of this feature for improved crawl efficiency.
For those who are not on WordPress, it is recommended to consult with your developers on how to incorporate accurate lastmod dates in your sitemap files. This will enable search engines to better understand and crawl your content.
In conclusion, the inclusion of the lastmod date in sitemap files is a significant development in the world of SEO. With WordPress 6.5 now supporting this feature, website owners have an opportunity to enhance crawl efficiency and reduce server load. By staying up to date with the latest SEO features, website owners can ensure their content is found and maintain better online visibility.
