How to Create Your First LLMS.txt File: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, you're convinced. You read our last article about LLMS.txt files and now you're thinking, “This sounds smart, but how the heck do I actually make one?”

I'm about to show you exactly how to create your first LLMS.txt file in about 15 minutes, and I promise you don't need to be a tech wizard to pull this off. If you can write an email and save a document, you've got all the skills you need.

First, let me share something important: I've seen many business owners rush into this and make critical mistakes that actually harm their AI visibility instead of helping it. So we're going to do this right the first time.

The Super Simple Manual Method

Let's start with the “I want to understand what I'm doing” approach. This method works for any website, regardless of what platform you're using.

Step 1: Open a Text Editor

Don't overthink this. Open Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on Mac, or even a Google Doc. We're creating a simple text file, not building a rocket ship.

Step 2: Start With Your Business Basics

Every LLMS.txt file needs these core sections. Here's the structure:

# [Your Business Name] LLMS.txt

## About
[Write 2-3 sentences about what your business does and who you serve]

## Services
[List your main services or products]

## Contact
[Your main contact information and location]

## Key Pages
[Links to your most important pages]

Step 3: Fill In Your Information

Here's where you make it yours. Write like you're explaining your business to a smart friend who's never heard of you before. Keep it clear, specific, and focused on what matters most.

Step 4: Save It Correctly

This is crucial: Save the file as “llms.txt” (all lowercase, no spaces). Make sure your computer doesn't sneak a “.txt” extension on the end—you want just “llms.txt” as the filename.

Step 5: Upload to Your Website's Root Directory

This means putting it in the main folder of your website, so it's accessible at “yourwebsite.com/llms.txt”. If you're unsure how to do this, contact the person who manages your website, it's a quick task for them.

The Smart Way: Automated Tools

Now, if you're using WordPress and want the “set it and forget it” approach, you're in luck. Tools like Yoast SEO now create and maintain your LLMS.txt file automatically.

Yoast SEO Method:

1. Update to the latest version of Yoast SEO
2. Go to SEO → General → Features
3. Enable the “LLMS.txt” feature
4. Let it work its magic

The plugin pulls from your existing content, site structure, and SEO settings to create a comprehensive file that updates automatically. It's like having a personal assistant who keeps your AI welcome mat perfectly organized.

Other Platform Options:

• Shopify: Several apps in their store now offer LLMS.txt generation
• Squarespace/Wix: Manual creation is still your best bet
• Custom websites: Ask your developer, this is a simple addition

Your Copy-and-Paste Template

Here's a template you can customize right now. Just replace the bracketed information with your own:

# [Your Business Name] LLMS.txt

## About
[Your Business Name] provides [your main service/product] for [your target audience] in [your location/market]. We specialize in [your key differentiator] and have been [serving clients/operating] since [year founded].

## Services
- [Primary service 1]
- [Primary service 2]  
- [Primary service 3]

## Contact
- Website: [your website URL]
- Phone: [your main phone number]
- Email: [your main contact email]
- Address: [your business address]

## Key Pages
- Home: [your homepage URL]
- About: [your about page URL]
- Services: [your services page URL]
- Contact: [your contact page URL]
- Blog: [your blog URL if you have one]

## Recent Updates
[Date]: [Brief note about recent business developments, new services, or important changes]

The 3 Critical Mistakes That Kill Your AI Visibility

Mistake #1: Writing for Robots Instead of Intelligence

I see businesses stuffing their LLMS.txt files with keywords like it's 2005 SEO. Stop it. AI systems are sophisticated—they understand natural language. Write like you're talking to a smart human, because essentially, you are.

Mistake #2: Information Overload

Your LLMS.txt file isn't your life story. I've seen 47-page files that try to include every blog post ever written. AI systems have limited attention spans when parsing your site. Give them the highlights, not the encyclopedia.

Mistake #3: Set It and Forget It (The Wrong Way)

Yes, this should be low-maintenance, but “low” doesn't mean “zero.” If you move offices, change your phone number, or launch a major new service, update your LLMS.txt file. Outdated information makes AI systems less likely to recommend you.

Quick Quality Check

Before you publish, ask yourself:

• Would this give a newcomer a clear picture of what we do?
• Is this information current and accurate?
• Am I focusing on what matters most to potential customers?
• Would I be comfortable if an AI recommended us based on this information?

If you answered yes to all four, you're ready to go live.

Feeling confident about your LLMS.txt file? In our next article, we're diving into the strategies that industry leaders use to dominate AI recommendations. We'll analyze real LLMS.txt files from major companies and show you the specific techniques that make AI systems choose them over their competitors.

Plus, we'll reveal the secret sections that most businesses miss—the advanced elements that separate good LLMS.txt files from great ones. (Hint: it's not what you think.)

Your LLMS.txt Questions Answered

In this series:

1. Why Your Website Needs an LLMS.txt File (And What the Heck That Even Means)
2. What Industry Leaders Put in Their LLMS.txt Files (And How to Steal Their Strategies)
3. How to Create Your First LLMS.txt File: A Step-by-Step Guide –This article!
4. The LLMS.txt Domain Dilemma: Where Should You Actually Put Your File?