Here's something that's going to blow your mind: right now, while you're reading this, AI systems are crawling through websites trying to understand what businesses do, what they offer, and whether they're worth recommending to users.
The problem? Most websites are like messy closets. Everything's there, but good luck finding what you need quickly.
That's where LLMS.txt files come in. Think of them as your website's personal concierge for AI visitors. And trust me, you want AI to love your website because these digital assistants are becoming the new Google.
Let's break this down in plain English.
What is an LLMS.txt File?
An LLMS.txt file is essentially a welcome mat for AI systems visiting your website. It's a simple text file that sits in your website's root folder and tells AI, “Hey, here's the most important stuff about us, and here's where to find it.”
Imagine you're hosting a dinner party. Instead of letting guests wander around your house looking for the bathroom, you put up a little sign that says “Bathroom upstairs, snacks in the kitchen, good conversation in the living room.” That's exactly what LLMS.txt does for AI visitors.
The beauty? It's written in plain markdown format – no coding degree required. It includes your business description, key pages, and API information (if available), essentially giving AI a VIP tour of your most valuable content.
What is an LLM File?
Before we go further, let's clear up some confusion. When people say “LLM file,” they're usually talking about the same thing as LLMS.txt – they're just using shorthand.
LLM stands for “Large Language Model” – that's the technical term for AI systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google's Gemini. These are the AI tools that can have conversations, answer questions, and increasingly, help people find businesses and services.
So when someone mentions an “LLM file,” they're referring to any file designed to help these AI systems understand your website better. LLMS.txt is the standardized version that's gaining traction across the web.
What is Robots.txt Used For?
Now here's where it gets interesting. You might have heard of robots.txt—it's been around since the early days of the internet. Think of robots.txt as the bouncer at your website's door. It tells search engine crawlers (like Google's bots) what they can and can't access.
Robots.txt is all about saying “no”:
- “Don't index my admin pages.”
- “Stay out of my private folders.”
- “Don't crawl my duplicate content.”
It's a protective tool that's been essential for traditional SEO. But here's the thing – we're no longer living in a traditional SEO world anymore.
What's the Difference Between Robots.txt and LLMS.txt?
This is where the magic happens, and why smart business owners are paying attention.
Robots.txt is defensive. It says, “Don't go here, don't look at that, stay away from this.” It's focused on controlling what search engines can see for indexing purposes.
LLMS.txt is strategic. It says, “Here's exactly what you should know about us, here's our best content, and here's how we can help people.” It's focused on guiding AI systems to understand and recommend your business.
Think about it this way:
- Robots.txt is like putting up “Do Not Enter” signs
- LLMS.txt is like hiring a tour guide who highlights your best features
The fundamental difference? Robots.txt was designed for a world where search engines index everything and display links to users. LLMS.txt is built for a world where AI systems directly answer questions and make recommendations.
In my opinion, if you're still thinking in terms of robots.txt, you're already behind.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
We're witnessing the biggest shift in how people find businesses since Google dethroned the Yellow Pages. When someone asks ChatGPT, “What's the best marketing agency in Denver?” or “Who can help me with website design?” they're not getting a list of blue links anymore. They're getting direct recommendations.
The AI either knows about your business and can recommend you, or it doesn't. There's no page 2 of AI results.
That's why forward-thinking business owners are implementing LLMS.txt files now, before their competitors figure it out. It's not just about being found—it's about being understood and recommended by the AI systems that are rapidly becoming the new gatekeepers of business discovery.
Your LLMS.txt Questions Answered
Great question! Think of it this way: robots.txt is like having a security guard who tells visitors what rooms they can't enter. LLMS.txt is like having a friendly receptionist who says, “Welcome! Here's what we do best, and here's where you'll find our most helpful information.” Robots.txt controls access; LLMS.txt provides guidance.
Not at all! An LLMS.txt file is simply a text file that you save with a specific name and place in your website's main folder. No coding, no special software, no server wizardry required. If you can create a Word document and save it, you can create an LLMS.txt file. (We'll show you exactly how in our next post!)
Here's the thing—traditional SEO focuses on getting you ranked in Google search results. LLMS.txt focuses on getting you recommended by AI systems when people ask questions. As more people use AI assistants to find services and solutions, being “recommendable” becomes just as important as being “findable.” It's not about replacing your current SEO strategy; it's about expanding it for the AI age.
Absolutely! Think of your current SEO as your storefront on Main Street—essential for people walking by. LLMS.txt is like having a booth at the town's new digital marketplace, where everyone is starting to shop. You want to be visible in both places. The AI systems reading your LLMS.txt file work completely differently from Google's search crawlers.
The beautiful thing about LLMS.txt is that it's low-maintenance. Plan to review it whenever you make major changes to your business, new services, updated contact info or big website restructuring. A quarterly check-in is usually plenty. It's not something you need to obsess over daily like social media posts.
Smart question! Here's my take: the companies building these AI systems are desperate to provide accurate, helpful information to their users. LLMS.txt gives them exactly what they need. Even if some systems don't support it today, implementing it now means you're ready when they do. Plus, the major players are already showing interest—when Yoast SEO builds a feature around something, you know it's gaining serious traction.
You didn't start your business to become a WordPress technician, yet here you are treating your most critical business asset like a hobby project. While you're spending hours on updates and crossing your fingers that nothing breaks, your competitors are focused on what actually makes money.
👋 I'm Jeane Sumner, and Website HQ doesn't just host your site – we armor it, optimize it, and monitor it so you can get back to running your business instead of fixing it. Book your Site Care strategy call and never worry about your website again.
Ready to future-proof your website? In our next article, we'll guide you through the process of creating and implementing your first LLMS.txt file, with no prior technical experience required. Plus, we'll show you the three critical mistakes most businesses make that kill their AI visibility before they even start.
In this series:
- Why Your Website Needs an LLMS.txt File (And What the Heck That Even Means) –This article!
- What Industry Leaders Put in Their LLMS.txt Files (And How to Steal Their Strategies)
- How to Create Your First LLMS.txt File: A Step-by-Step Guide
- The LLMS.txt Domain Dilemma: Where Should You Actually Put Your File?