WordPress has released an update with version 6.5, introducing native support for the lastmod element in sitemaps.
This move streamlines search engine crawling efficiency, potentially improving website visibility.
The announcement comes from Gary Illyes, a member of Google’s Search Relations team, who took to LinkedIn to commend the WordPress developer community for their efforts.
The Lastmod element: a key signal for trackers
The lastmod metadata tag indicates the last significant modification date of a web page, which allows search engine crawlers to prioritize and schedule crawls.
In Illyes’ words:
“The lastmod element in sitemaps is a signal that can help crawlers figure out how often to crawl your pages.”
By populating the lastmod field natively, WordPress 6.5 allows websites to improve SEO efforts without additional manual configuration.
Illyes emphasizes that a “significant” change refers to updates that may be important to users and, consequently, to website performance.
WordPress community collaboration
Lastmod support in WordPress 6.5 is made possible by the collaborative efforts of the developer community, led by Pascal Birchler.
Illyes acknowledged and praised their contributions, stating:
“If you’re on WordPress, since version 6.5, you’ve had this field populated natively thanks to Pascal Birchler and the WordPress developer community.”
While applauding the new feature, Illyes urges website owners to update their WordPress installations to take advantage of lastmod support.
He adds:
“If you don’t update your WordPress installation, please bite the bullet and do so (maybe once there are no plugin conflicts).”
As WordPress evolves, this update shows the platform’s commitment to complying with SEO best practices and providing users with the tools they need.
FAQ
What is the importance of the lastmod element in sitemaps?
The lastmod metadata tag means the most recent modification date of a web page. This information allows search engine crawlers to prioritize and schedule page crawls efficiently.
By indicating recent updates, the lastmod tag helps search engines focus on the most current content, potentially improving a site’s visibility in search results.
How does WordPress 6.5 support the lastmod element?
With the release of WordPress 6.5, native support for the lastmod element in sitemaps is now available. This means that WordPress automatically includes this metadata in sitemaps without requiring additional manual configuration by the user.
Why should website owners upgrade to WordPress 6.5?
Website owners are advised to upgrade to WordPress 6.5 to use native lastmod support.
The update ensures compatibility with the latest SEO practices and tools, providing users with a more effective and user-friendly platform. However, it is recommended to ensure that there are no plugin conflicts before upgrading.
Featured image: photosince/Shutterstock
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