llms.txt: Why Every Site Needs One

What is llms.txt?

The llms.txt file is a standardized text file placed at the root of your website that provides AI models with a structured overview of your site, brand, and key content. Think of it as a cover letter for AI crawlers.

Just as robots.txt tells search engine crawlers what to index, llms.txt tells AI models what your site is about and what content is most important. It is written in a simple markdown-like format that is both human-readable and machine-parseable.

How It Works

When an AI model or AI-powered search engine visits your site, it can check for the presence of an llms.txt file at `yourdomain.com/llms.txt`. This file provides:

• A high-level description of your organization
• Key products and services
• Important content areas
• Links to essential pages
• Contact and authority information

This structured overview helps AI models quickly understand your brand without crawling every page, improving the accuracy and likelihood of citations.

Creating Your File

A well-structured llms.txt file follows this format:

# Your Brand Name
> A one-line description of your company

## About
A paragraph explaining what your company does, who you serve, and what makes you different.

## Key Products/Services
- Product 1: Brief description
- Product 2: Brief description

## Links
- Website: https://yoursite.com
- Blog: https://yoursite.com/blog
- Documentation: https://yoursite.com/docs

Best Practices

Keep these guidelines in mind when creating your llms.txt:

1. Be concise: AI models process the file quickly, so keep descriptions focused and factual
2. Update regularly: Refresh the file when you launch new products or change your offerings
3. Include key facts: Add metrics, founding date, headquarters, and other factual details AI can cite
4. Link strategically: Point to your most important and authoritative pages
5. Avoid marketing fluff: Stick to factual, objective descriptions rather than promotional language