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Google’s John Mueller explains that the automatic change of the XML SiteMap date does not increase SEO and that Google might make it difficult to find real content updates.
The myth of the “Signal of the Fresh” broke
On Reddit’s R/SEO Forum, someone asked if the competitors were better ranked by setting up a date of the XML SiteMap on the current date to send the “Signal of freshness” to Google.
Mueller’s answer was clear:
“It is usually a sign that they have a corrupt setting of a SiteMap generator. There is no positive effect. It’s just a lazy setting.”
IN discussion shows the usual frustration among SEO Pros. The original poster was upset after following Google’s rules for 15 years, just to see competitors using the “outlet mail tactics” Outlearn Website.
When asked about web locations that use questioning tactics, but still rank well, Mueller explained that although some “hidden things” can function briefly, an update of a sitemap date is not one of them.
Mueller said:
“Setting up today’s date in a sitemap file will not help anyone. It is just lazy. Search scales make it difficult to spot truly updated pages. This definitely doesn’t work in their favor.”
XML SiteMaps: What acts
XML SiteMaps help search engines to understand the structure of your website and when the content is last updated. Although good sitemaps are key to SEO, many people misunderstand the impact they have on the ladder.
According to Google, the Lastmod label in XML SiteMaps should show when the page is really last updated. When used properly, it helps search engines to know what pages have a new content to recruit.
Mueller confirms that faking these dates does not help your ladder and can prevent Google from finding real content updates.
What does that mean for your seo
Mueller’s comments remind us that, although some SEO tactics may look like they improve the scale, correlation is not causal.
Web locations are well ranked despite the questioning methods they succeed because of other factors, not the manipulated SiteMap dates.
For website owners and SEO Professional Advice is:
- Keep your xml Sitemaps accurate
- Just update Lastmod dates when you change content
- Focus on creating valuable content instead of technical shortcuts
- Be patient with ethical SEO strategies – provide lasting results
It can be frustrating to see that competitors seem to benefit from questioning tactics. However, Mueller suggests that these advantages do not last long and can reciprocate.
This exchange confirms that Google’s smart algorithms can recognize and eventually neglect artificial attempts to manipulate ranked signals.
Separate Picture: Keronn Art/Shutterstock
