WORDPRESS 6.5 DELIVERS POWERFUL SEO ADVANTAGE WITH LASTMOD SUPPORT
Tags: webdev, programming, wordpress
Published: 2024-05-27 11:52:02


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Get ready for a significant boost in your website’s SEO performance! [WordPress 6.5](https://42works.net/wordpress-6-5-delivers-powerful-seo-advantage-with-lastmod-support/#page-intro) introduces a groundbreaking feature – native last mod support within sitemaps. This seemingly simple addition can revolutionize how search engines crawl and index your content, leading to increased website visibility and organic traffic.

**<u>WHAT IS LASTMOD AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?</u>**
Lastmod stands for “last modified.” It’s a metadata tag in your sitemap that tells search engines the last time a specific webpage on your website was significantly updated. Search engines like Google and Bing use this information to prioritize and schedule their crawls.

**<u>Think of it this way</u>**: Search engine crawlers are constantly delivering information (indexing websites) just like a delivery person brings packages. With last mod, it’s like having a “recently delivered” section on your doorstep. The delivery person can prioritize dropping off these new packages first, ensuring your latest content gets indexed quickly.

Currently, only 21% of WordPress websites utilize version 6.5, which offers native lastmod support. Upgrading to this version or exploring alternative solutions for other platforms can significantly improve crawl efficiency for search engines.

**<u>THE WORDPRESS DEVELOPER COMMUNITY DELIVERS</u>**
The credit for this innovative feature goes to the dedicated WordPress developer community, spearheaded by the remarkable Pascal Birchler. Their tireless efforts have resulted in a seamless integration of last-mod support within WordPress 6.5.

This means:  As a WordPress user running version 6.5 or above, you no longer need to manually configure lastmod tags. WordPress automatically populates this field in your sitemaps, saving you valuable time and ensuring accuracy.
**<u>A CALL TO ACTION FROM GOOGLE’S GARY ILLYES AND BING’S FABRICE CANEL</u>**
Both Google and Bing representatives have enthusiastically endorsed the last mod implementation in WordPress 6.5. Gary Illyes from Google strongly encourages website owners to upgrade, stating:

“If you’re on WordPress, since version 6.5, you have this field natively populated for you thanks to Pascal Birchler and the WordPress developer community… 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).”

Fabrice Canel from Bing echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the last mod for search engines – regardless of their underlying technology (AI-driven or rules-based). He recommends using lastmod in conjunction with IndexNow for a comprehensive and fresh SEO
**<u>
SEO ADVANTAGES OF UPGRADING TO WORDPRESS 6.5 FOR YOUR WORDPRESS WEBSITE DEVELOPMEN</u>**T
Upgrading to WordPress 6.5 unlocks a multitude of SEO benefits:

**<u>Enhanced Crawl Efficiency</u>**: Search engines can prioritize crawling your most recent content, leading to faster indexing and improved search result visibility. According to a study by Searchmetrics, websites with faster indexing times can see a 20% increase in organic traffic.
**<u>Reduced Server Load</u>**: By directing crawlers towards updated pages, you minimize unnecessary crawling of static content, ultimately reducing server strain. Studies by Soasta suggest that a 1-second delay in page load time can result in a 7% reduction in conversions.
**<u>Alignment with SEO Best Practices</u>**: WordPress 6.5 demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of the SEO curve, ensuring your website remains compliant with the latest search engine optimization standards. Moz reports that the top ranking factors for SEO include high-quality content, technical SEO, and on-page optimization.
**<u>Improved User Experience</u>**: Faster loading times due to reduced server load can lead to a more positive user experience, which is another ranking factor for search engines.
By upgrading to WordPress 6.5, you’re taking a significant step towards a more SEO-friendly website. Combine this with our expert WordPress development services at 42Works, and watch your website thrive online!

**<u>BEYOND WORDPRESS: OPTIMIZING LASTMOD FOR OTHER PLATFORMS</u>**
While WordPress 6.5 simplifies lasts for its users, website owners on other platforms shouldn’t be discouraged. Here’s what you can do:

**<u>Consult a WordPress website development expert</u>**: A skilled WordPress website development team like 42Works can advise on implementing accurate last mod dates within your sitemap files, and ensure your website is optimized for the latest SEO best practices.
**<u>Research platform-specific solutions</u>**: Many Content Management Systems (CMS) offer plugins or extensions to manage lastmod tags.A quick search within your platform’s plugin marketplace can reveal valuable tools. For example, popular CMS platforms like Joomla! and Drupal have established plugins that address lastmod functionality.
**<u>Consider a Hybrid Approach</u>**: For some, a hybrid approach might be the best solution. This could involve migrating specific content sections to a WordPress subdomain that leverages the native lastmod support in version 6.5.
By exploring these options, you can ensure your clients on all platforms benefit from the SEO advantages that lastmod offers.

**<u>DON’T MISS OUT ON THE SEO BOOST!</u>**
The introduction of native last-mod support in WordPress 6.5 marks a significant step forward for website owners seeking to optimize their SEO strategy. By upgrading to this version, you empower search engines to efficiently crawl your content, ultimately leading to a more prominent presence in search results.

Ready to take your WordPress website development to the next level and unlock the power of last-mod support? 42Works offers a comprehensive suite of [WordPress website development](https://42works.net/expertise/websites/) and SEO services to help you achieve your website’s full potential. Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can help your website thrive in search results.