What is llms.txt, the file that speaks to AI tools?
Photo: Avila Ops Tecnologia
llms.txt is a plain text file placed at your domain’s root (suaempresa.com.br/llms.txt), clearly summarizing what your company does and listing the website’s most important pages. Proposed in 2024, it is a standard intended to make websites easier to read for large language models (LLMs), the AI systems answering questions.
One caveat matters: none of the major AI tools has publicly confirmed using llms.txt to decide what to cite, and Google has said it does not use it. It costs 20 minutes, causes no interference and may help. But it does not replace clear pages, which AI systems demonstrably read.
What goes inside llms.txt?
The format is Markdown, text with simple formatting. Put the company name on the first line, followed by a two- or three-sentence paragraph saying what you do, for whom and where. Then list links to main pages, each with a sentence explaining its contents.
Example content for a woodworking business: “Marcenaria Silva. Custom fitted furniture in São José do Rio Preto and surrounding areas, with 3D design and installation included. Pages: fitted kitchens (starting prices and timelines); wardrobes; frequently asked questions; contact.” That is it.
It does not conflict with robots.txt. robots.txt says where robots may go; llms.txt summarizes things for those entering.
Is it worth creating?
Yes, provided you understand what you are buying. What makes AI cite your company is the same information that helps Google display it: direct answers, city names, prices or price ranges, real FAQs and consistent data across your website, Google Business Profile and Instagram. llms.txt is a reading shortcut on top of that, not a substitute. We explore this in what makes AI cite your company.
What to do now
Write a three-sentence company summary and a list of main pages with one sentence each. Ask whoever manages your website to publish it at /llms.txt. To prepare your company for Google and AI, with AI handling repetitive WhatsApp questions, visit avilaops.com/automacao-de-atendimento or WhatsApp wa.me/5517997811471.
Frequently asked questions
Will llms.txt make ChatGPT recommend my company?
There is no guarantee. AI tools recommend based on public pages, reviews and citations from other websites. llms.txt helps reading; it does not decide recommendations. See the guide on getting your company to appear in ChatGPT and AI tools.
Does llms.txt interfere with Google?
No. Google ignores the file; it does not interfere with indexing or rankings.
Do I need to update the file?
Only when your website gains or loses important pages or your offer changes.
Turn what you learned into your next step.
Tell us about your company and what you want to improve. We can explore the right tools, integrations or custom project together.