Is a LLMS.txt File Needed in GEO?
As generative AI reshapes how users discover content, a new file, llms.txt, is gaining attention. But what exactly is it, and does your SEO/GEO strategy truly need it?
Here’s a look into it.
What Is an LLMS.txt File?
This idea was originally proposed by Jeremy Howard in 2024 to help address how LLMs (large language models) struggle with navigating complex HTML, JavaScript, or navigation-heavy sites. It provides a curated roadmap for AI, not a crawling directive. llms.txt is a Markdown-formatted text file placed in a site’s root directory (e.g., yourdomain.com/llms.txt). It doesn’t instruct bots on where they can’t go, but rather, it points AI systems to your most valuable, LLM-friendly content. Think of it as a “sitemap for AI inference” rather than a robots.txt control tool.
This is not meant to replace a robot.txt or sitemap.xml file! This is just to highlight AI-friendly content on the site in an effort to aid search engine bots.
Should I Create an LLMS.txt File?
As with many new SEO tactics, there are many arguments for and against including this file on your site currently. Below, we will lay out the pros and cons so you can make the decision as to whether or not this is the right fit for you.
Benefits of LLMS.txt
Directs AI to your best content: As mentioned above, this file tells AI agents exactly where to look, bypassing poorly structured or buried pages. This can be especially useful for documentation-heavy sites, like APIs, help centers, and knowledge bases, especially single-page markdown-based sections where structure and clarity are critical.
Designed for LLM consumption: Written in clean Markdown (using headers, blockquotes, and links), it makes parsing easier for AI, unlike content hidden within messy site layouts. While not widely adopted yet, LLMS.txt could become a new standard safeguard for long-term visibility, preparing your business for AI search evolution.
Part of early GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) strategies: GEO aims at boosting content visibility in AI-driven search results. llms.txt fits into this movement to optimize content for generative engines, not just link-based search results. Using it signals preparedness for an AI-centric search future even if the payoff is not immediate.
What Are the Arguments Against an LLMS.txt File?
Minimal adoption by major AI companies: Google’s John Mueller compared llms.txt to the obsolete meta keywords tag, suggesting that it is largely ignored by AI systems today. Yet, other SEO tools, like Yoast SEO and SEMrush, have added support for it. Right now, it’s more about future-proofing than serving a present need.
Potential SEO risks: Google warned that if your llms.txt duplicates HTML content without distinction, it could dilute SEO value. If you are concerned about this, you could always add a noindex tag to prevent indexing of the file itself.
Speculative value amid evolving AI standards: Many SEO professionals question its practicality, given platforms may eventually process the original site directly without needing this extra file. At this point, no one really knows the future of GEO.
TL;DR
While llms.txt is not essential currently, it is a low-risk tactic if properly structured that can give an early edge in the future of GEO. If you do choose to move forward, here are a couple best practices to keep in mind:
Keep it distinct from HTML versions (consider noindex)
Use Markdown structure: # title, descriptive blockquote, ## sections with chosen links
Focus on truly high-value content—don’t spam it with every URL on your site
If you would like assistance with your GEO strategy, feel free to reach out.