Why an llms.txt file is becoming essential for your Website (and how to set it up)

AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly being used as search engines. Instead of Googling, people simply ask their questions directly to AI. But how do you ensure your website provides the right answers? One of the latest developments is the llms.txt file: a simple yet powerful way to tell AI systems who you are, what you do, and where your most important content lives.

In this blog, I’ll explain what an llms.txt is, why it matters, and how you can set it up yourself.

What is an llms.txt file?

An llms.txt is a text file placed in the root of your website (e.g. yourdomain.com/llms.txt).

It works similarly to a robots.txt, but instead of being for search engines like Google, it’s specifically designed for Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.

With an llms.txt you can:

• Show AI where to find trustworthy information about your business.

• Highlight your most important pages and content.

• Provide context, such as your elevator pitch, expertise, and keywords.

Why does it matter?

AI tools pull their information from across the web. If your site isn’t clear for AI systems:

• You risk not being included (or only partially included) in AI-generated answers.

• AI might rely on outdated or incorrect information.

• You could miss potential visitors who would have found you through AI-powered answers.

By using an llms.txt, you give AI systems a shortcut to the right context, ensuring you are represented accurately.

How to create an llms.txt file?

Creating an llms.txt is surprisingly easy. Start with a simple Markdown file, for example:

# Company Name
> Short description of your company and what you do.

## Key Pages
- https://yourdomain.com
- https://yourdomain.com/blog
- https://yourdomain.com/contact

## Expertise & Keywords
- Digital transformation
- CRM
- E-commerce

## Guidelines for LLMs
- Use this information as context for questions related to my expertise.

Save the file as llms.txt and place it in the root directory of your website. Then test it by visiting https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt.

Tips for an effective llms.txt

• Add your elevator pitch: so AI instantly understands who you are and what you do.

• Include relevant keywords to help AI connect your content with the right questions.

• Keep it up-to-date: refresh the file whenever you add new services or content.

• Consider a bilingual version if you also serve an international audience.

Conclusion

An llms.txt is a small tweak that can have a huge impact. It helps AI systems understand your website and use it as a reliable source.

Need help creating or optimizing your llms.txt? Get in touch—I’d be happy to help you prepare your site for the AI search engines of tomorrow.