Google and Bing emphasize the importance of lastmod in XML sitemaps • Yoast

XML sitemaps are essential to any website’s SEO strategy and are an important part of our core product Yoast SEO. Both Google and Bing have recently re-emphasized the proper use of the lastmod (last modified) tag in XML sitemaps. The leading search engines now advise website owners to use this feature correctly to improve crawling and indexing.

What is the lastmod Tag in XML sitemaps?

The lastmod tag in an XML sitemap indicates when a particular page on your website was last updated. This information helps search engines identify which pages have new content and prioritize them when crawling.

The situation before

Before Google and Bing’s recent focus on the use of lastmod tag was optional and often used incorrectly. Many website owners either ignored it or did not understand its correct use.

This led to inconsistencies in how search engines crawled and indexed updated content. Some website owners updated the lastmod Date each time the sitemap is regenerated, regardless of actual content changes, which leads to crawling inefficiencies.

Latest advice from Google and Bing

Both Google and Bing have updated their policies to emphasize the importance of correct use of lastmod Label.

• Google: Google’s latest guidelines emphasize that the use of lastmod tag helps the search engine prioritize crawling and indexing pages with new content. In its XML sitemap documentation, Google says: “Google uses the Value if it is consistent and verifiably correct (for example, by comparing it with the last change to the page).”
• Google: In February 2023, Bing also emphasized the critical nature of lastmod tag in XML sitemaps and recommends that site owners ensure that this tag accurately reflects content updates.

A key reason for this new focus is to improve crawl efficiency to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Efficient crawling reduces search engines’ computing resources and lowers their carbon footprint. By using the lastmod With the right tag, website owners can help search engines crawl their sites more efficiently, supporting environmental sustainability.

Why this is important for SEO

XML sitemaps are crucial for SEO because they help search engines discover and index your website content efficiently. Sitemaps list all the pages on your website and ensure that crawlers don’t miss your important content.

The lastmod tag in sitemaps indicates when a page was last updated and helps search engines quickly recrawl new content. This keeps your site’s information up to date in search results. Including new pages in your sitemap speeds up their indexing and improves your visibility.

Sitemaps are invaluable for large or complex websites. They help search engines navigate through rich content and can also include details about images, videos and news articles, improving visibility in specialized search results.

XML sitemaps improve your SEO by ensuring that search engines discover, crawl, and index your content efficiently, resulting in better visibility and higher rankings in search results.

With this latest news, lastmod becomes an ally of your SEO efforts:

1. Improved crawling efficiency: Exactly lastmod Data helps search engines allocate their crawling resources more effectively and focus on new and updated content.
2. Better indexing: New content is more likely to be indexed faster, improving your site’s visibility in search results.
3. Improved user experience: Keeping search engines updated with the latest content ensures that users find the most current information when they visit your site.

How to implement the lastmod tag correctly

Most XML sitemaps probably already have a lastmod built in. At Yoast, we help over 13 million websites with proper XML sitemaps created in the best possible way. When you use Yoast SEO, you can not abuse lastmod because we update the XML sitemap for you and do not allow any incorrect use.

In short, there are some best practices you should keep in mind:

1. Update only when necessary: Make sure that the lastmod The date reflects the actual date the page content was last modified.
2. Automate carefully: Use automated tools to update your sitemap, but make sure they are properly configured to lastmod Tag only when the content changes.
3. Monitor and review: Check your sitemap regularly to ensure that lastmod The data is accurate and reflects real content updates.

Yoast SEO’s support for lastmod

Yoast SEO has always supported the lastmod Tag in XML sitemaps. Our plugin automatically adds the lastmod Tag for every page and post to ensure search engines are informed of the most recent updates.

• Automatic updates: Yoast SEO updates the lastmod Tag when you update a post or page, so you no longer have to worry about maintaining accurate sitemaps.
• User-friendly: By including the lastmod Yoast SEO integrates the tag seamlessly into its XML sitemaps, making it easier for website owners to follow best practices without the need for technical expertise.

By using Yoast SEO, you can ensure that your sitemaps are always up to date, keeping you up to date with Google and Bing recommendations.

Conclusion on lastmod Support from Bing and Google

Google and Bing are once again focusing on the lastmod Tag reminds site owners to follow best practices when creating and maintaining sitemaps. Implement these recommendations and use tools like Yoast SEO to improve your site’s SEO performance, ensuring that search engines discover and index your new content promptly.