Should I put the date on a new content page to show users when it was written or updated?

[CecilyP]

I've been asked this question at work and not certain of the answer.

Personally if I see an 'old' date in a meta description on Google I often scan for more recent articles. In other words it can act as a deterrent.

We are a very big social networking site with a large content section. For some of our content the date might be relevant, such as legal information, but often it isn't.

Are there any SEO factors in dating content?

[matbennett]

I think it is pretty dependent on the content. It sounds like an overly simplistic answer, but I'd consider using the date when it is time-relevant content and not when it isn't.  That way you are only showing relevant, useful content to the users - which has to be good for all. If it helps with CTR from the SERPs then all the better!

Google knows (at least roughly) when the content went up whether you date it or not, so it really is about what you are showing the user both on page and in the snippet. So why bother them with it if it isn't relevant?

[Matt-Williamson]

I have content which is dated and several years old but still ranking for relatively competitive terms on the first page top 3 results and have seen increases in the last few months for ranking. I would however be wary of putting a date on content, as you rightly mention, as most people including you and I will do a search for information and if the date is clear in the SERPs and it hasn't been published recently then you don't click on it. In terms of this I would not be as concerned about the SEO but more the user engagement / CTR.