WordPress 6.5 Boosts SEO Performance Through 'Lastmod' Integration

WordPress recently released version 6.5, which now includes built-in support for the lastmod element in sitemaps. This update is aimed at improving the efficiency of search engine crawls and could potentially boost the visibility of websites.

Gary Illyes, a member of Google's Search Relations team, recently praised the WordPress developer community on LinkedIn for their hard work.

The Importance of the Lastmod Element for Crawlers

The lastmod metadata tag indicates the last significant modification date of a webpage, enabling search engine crawlers to prioritize and schedule crawls.

In Illyes’ words:

By natively populating the lastmod field, WordPress 6.5 lets websites improve SEO efforts without additional manual configuration. The lastmod element in sitemaps is a signal that can help crawlers figure out how often to crawl your pages.

Illyes emphasizes that a “significant” change refers to updates that might matter to users and, consequently, to the website’s performance.

WordPress Community Collaboration

Lastmod support is now available in WordPress 6.5 thanks to the hard work of the developer community, led by Pascal Birchler.

Illyes recognized and commended their efforts, mentioning,

Ever since version 6.5 of WordPress, this field is automatically filled in for you, all thanks to Pascal Birchler and the WordPress developer community.

Illyes suggests website owners to update their WordPress installations in order to make use of the new lastmod support.

He adds:

“If you’re holding back on upgrading your WordPress installation, please bite the bullet and just do it (maybe once there are no plugin conflicts).”

As WordPress evolves, this update displays the platform’s commitment to complying with SEO best practices and providing users with needed tools.



FAQ

What is the significance of the lastmod element in sitemaps?

The lastmod metadata tag shows the most recent modification date of a webpage. This helps search engine crawlers to organize and plan page crawls effectively.

By showing the latest updates, the lastmod tag helps search engines to concentrate on the newest content, which can enhance a site's visibility in search results.

What does WordPress 6.5 offer for the lastmod element?

With the launch of WordPress 6.5, users can now enjoy built-in support for the lastmod element in sitemaps. This feature allows WordPress to include the lastmod metadata in sitemaps without the need for users to manually set it up.

Why should website owners upgrade to WordPress 6.5?

Website owners are encouraged to upgrade to WordPress 6.5 to use native lastmod support.

Upgrading your platform is important to stay compatible with the latest SEO practices and tools, making it more effective and user-friendly. Before upgrading, it's a good idea to check for any plugin conflicts to avoid any issues.

Featured Image: photosince/Shutterstock

Editor's P/S:

WordPress's latest update, version 6.5, is a game-changer for website owners and SEO professionals alike. The built-in support for the lastmod element in sitemaps is a testament to WordPress's commitment to providing users with the tools they need to succeed online. This update streamlines the crawling process for search engines, enabling them to prioritize and schedule crawls more efficiently. As a result, websites can expect improved visibility and ranking in search results.

The collaboration between the WordPress developer community and Google's Search Relations team is a prime example of how open-source software can drive innovation and improve the user experience. The inclusion of the lastmod element is a direct response to feedback from the community and highlights the importance of listening to user needs. By embracing the latest SEO best practices, WordPress continues to empower website owners and sets the stage for further advancements in the future.