WordPress version 6.5 now includes the last modification date for sitemap files.

Introduction:

WordPress version 6.5 now supports the inclusion of the lastmod element within sitemap files, aiding search engines in identifying new or updated content. This feature can lead to improved crawl efficiency for search engine crawlers and reduced server load on websites.

Understanding Lastmod Element:

Lastmod is an essential element that can be added to your sitemap file, indicating the last time a URL was modified. Search engines consider this date when processing sitemap files for crawling purposes, with Bing emphasizing its importance for crawling activities.

Insights from Google's Gary Illyes:

Gary Illyes from Google highlighted the significance of the lastmod element in sitemaps, stating that it helps crawlers determine the frequency of crawling pages.

WordPress Integration and Developer Community Contribution:

Illyes acknowledged the efforts of Pascal Birchler and the WordPress developer community for natively populating the lastmod field in WordPress version 6.5. He urged users to upgrade their installations to leverage this feature and ensure better website performance.

Enhanced Website Visibility and SEO Strategy:

Fabrice Canel from Bing praised the integration of the lastmod signal within sitemaps as a game-changer, providing valuable insights for millions of websites to optimize crawling activities and maintain content freshness in search engines. He encouraged users to adopt tools like IndexNow for real-time indexing and emphasized the importance of including lastmod in sitemaps.

Motivation for Update and Adoption:

With only 21% of WordPress installations using version 6.5, it is advisable to verify if your website is benefiting from this latest feature to enhance crawl efficiency. For non-WordPress users, consulting developers on including accurate lastmod dates in sitemaps is recommended.

Conclusion:

Enhancing website crawl efficiency through the inclusion of the lastmod element in sitemaps is crucial for improving search engine visibility and ensuring fresh content discovery. By staying updated with the latest features and best practices, website owners can optimize their SEO strategies and enhance user experience.

Source :

https://searchengineland.com/wordpress-6-5-gains-lastmod-date-for-sitemaps-files-440705