The internet is changing. AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google’s Gemini now read websites to answer questions. But these AI assistants need a special way to understand your site quickly. That’s where llms.txt comes in.
This guide explains llms.txt in simple terms. You’ll learn what it is, why it matters, and how to create one for your website.
LLMs stands for Large Language Models. Let me break this down in simple terms:
The Simple Explanation
An LLM is an AI system that can understand and generate human language. Think of it as a very smart computer program that has read millions of books, articles, and websites, and learned patterns in how people write and communicate.
Breaking Down the Term
Large = These models are trained on enormous amounts of text data (billions of words)
Language = They work with human languages like English, Spanish, Chinese, etc.
Model = A mathematical system that learns patterns and makes predictions
Popular Examples You’ve Probably Used
- ChatGPT (by OpenAI) – The most famous chatbot
- Claude (by Anthropic) – The AI you’re talking to right now!
- Gemini (by Google) – Formerly called Bard
- Copilot (by Microsoft) – Built into Windows and Office
- Llama (by Meta/Facebook) – Open source option
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What Can LLMs Do?
LLMs can help with many tasks:
- Answer questions on almost any topic
- Write articles, emails, and stories
- Translate between languages
- Summarize long documents
- Write and debug computer code
- Have conversations like a human
- Analyze data and provide insights
- Create content for marketing
- Help with homework and learning
How Do LLMs Work?
Think of it like this:
- Training Phase: The AI reads massive amounts of text from the internet, books, and other sources
- Learning Patterns: It learns how words relate to each other and how sentences are structured
- Prediction: When you ask a question, it predicts the most likely helpful response based on patterns it learned
It’s similar to how you learned language – by reading lots of examples and understanding patterns!
What is llms.txt?
llms.txt is a simple text file you add to your website. Think of it as a guide for AI chatbots. Just like robots.txt tells search engines which pages to scan, llms tells AI tools what your website is about.
The file sits at the root of your website: yourwebsite.com/llms.txt
Why Does llms Matter?
AI assistants are becoming the new search engines. When people ask questions, these tools scan websites to find answers. If your site has an llms.txt file, AI tools can:
- Understand your content faster
- Share accurate information about your business
- Include your website in their responses
- Send more visitors to your site
Without llms.txt, AI might misunderstand your content or skip your site entirely.
How LLMs Work
The llms file uses a simple format. It includes:
- Your website name and purpose – A brief description
- Key pages – Links to your most important content
- Content summary – What visitors can find on your site
- Contact information – How to reach you (optional)
The file should be easy to read. Use plain English. Keep it short and clear.
Benefits of Using LLMs
1. Better AI Visibility
AI tools can find and understand your content quickly. This means more accurate answers about your business.
2. Increased Traffic
When AI assistants recommend your site, you get new visitors. These visitors are already interested in what you offer.
3. Brand Control
You decide what information AI tools learn about your business. This helps maintain your brand message.
4. Competitive Advantage
Most websites don’t have llms.txt yet. Adding one now puts you ahead of competitors.
5. Future-Proof Your Website
As AI becomes more important, having llms.txt prepares your site for the future.
How to Create Your llms.txt File
Creating an llms.txt file is easy. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open a Text Editor
Use Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or any plain text editor. Don’t use Word or Google Docs.
Step 2: Add Your Website Information
Start with your site name and description:
# Example Company
We help small businesses grow through digital marketing services.
Step 3: List Important Pages
Add links to your key pages:
## Key Pages
- Home: https://example.com
- Services: https://example.com/services
- About Us: https://example.com/about
- Blog: https://example.com/blog
- Contact: https://example.com/contact
Step 4: Describe Your Content
Explain what visitors can find:
## What We Offer
Our website provides:
- Digital marketing guides and tutorials
- Case studies from successful campaigns
- Free marketing tools and templates
- Expert advice on SEO and social media
Step 5: Add Optional Details
Include any extra information that helps:
## Latest Updates
We publish new blog posts every Tuesday.
Our most popular guide is "SEO for Beginners."
Step 6: Save the File
Save your file as llms.txt (not llms.txt.txt). Make sure it’s a plain text file.
Step 7: Upload to Your Website
Upload the file to your website’s root directory. The final location should be yourwebsite.com/llms.txt
Real-World Example
Here’s what a complete llms.txt file looks like:
# Nitesh Baidya – SEO and Digital Marketing Expert in Nepal: Digital Marketing, SEO, Google Ads \& Web Design – Turn Visitors into Customers\! > Rank 1 on Google with Nitesh Baidya—Certified SEO and Digital Marketing Expert in Nepal\. Proven results for clinics, e\-commerce, etc\. ## Pages - [About Nitesh Baidya](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/about-nitesh-baidya/) - [Contact Nitesh Baidya](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/contact/) - [Terms and Conditions ](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/essential-digital-marketing-terms-and-conditions-understand-your-rights-with-confidence-at-nitesh-baidya/) - [Privacy Policy](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/privacy-policy/) - [Shop](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/shop/) - [Home](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/) - [Blog](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/blog/) - [Company](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/about-nitesh-baidya/company/) - [360 Digital Marketing](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/360-digital-marketing/) - [Branding \& Rebranding](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/branding-rebranding/) - [Checkout](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/checkout/) - [Checkout\-Result](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/stripe-checkout-result/) - [CONTACT FORM](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/contact-form/) - [Donation Confirmation](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/donation-confirmation/) - [Donation Failed](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/donation-failed/) - [Donor Dashboard](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/donor-dashboard/) - [FAQ\(Frequently Asked Questions\)](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/ultimate-digital-marketing-faq-your-questions-answered-with-confidence-by-nitesh-baidya/) - [Graphic Design](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/graphic-design/) - [Help and Support](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/digital-marketing-help-and-support-empower-your-success-with-nitesh-baidya/) - [My account](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/my-account/) - [Package and Pricing](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/package-and-pricing/) - [Products](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/products/) - [Projects](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/projects/) - [SEO expert in Nepal \- Nitesh Baidya](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/seo-expert-in-nepal/) - [SEO\(Search Engine Optimization\)](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/seo/) - [Services](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/) - [Social Media Marketing](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/social-media-marketing/) - [Team](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/about-nitesh-baidya/team/) - [Testimonials](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/testimonials/) - [Web Development](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/services/web-development/) - [Wishlist](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/wishlist/) ## Posts - [Social Media Marketing: Complete Guide to Building Your Brand and Growing Your Business in 2025](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/social-media-marketing-guide/) - [ADs vs SEO: Why You Need Both for Maximum Business Growth](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/ads-vs-seo-why-you-need-both/) - [SEO Guide: Master On\-Page, Off\-Page, Technical \& Local SEO in 2025](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/complete-seo-guide-2025/) - [An Easy Guide to SEO and digital marketing Basics](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/an-easy-guide-to-seo-and-digital-marketing-basics/) - [Proven Retargeting Strategies for Abandoned Cart Recovery in 2025](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/retargeting-strategies-for-abandoned-cart/) ## Team - [Nitesh Baidya](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/dt_team/nitesh-baidya/): Donec nec consectetur lectus felis, vita lorem ipsum consectetur lectus felis, vitae rutrum lorem ipsum from nuela dolor from nulla amos\. - [Sachin Karki](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/dt_team/sachin-karki/): Lorem ipsum – dolor from amet molestie vehicula glavrida malesuada\. Donec consectetur lectus felis, vitae rutrum felis faucibus vel\. - [Roshan Adhikari](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/dt_team/roshan-adhakari/): Proin molestie vehicula malesuada\. Donec consectetur lectus felis, vitae rutrum felis faucibus vel\. Nam fringilla non nisi ut consectetur\. ## Photo Albums -
(https://niteshbaidya.com.np/dt_gallery/gallery/) ## Categories - [SEO](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/category/seo/) - [Digital Marketing](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/category/digital-marketing/) - [Social media](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/category/social-media/) - [Keyword](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/category/keyword/) - [Retargeting](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/category/digital-marketing/retargeting/) ## Tags - [SEO Strategies](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/tag/seo-strategies/) - [Social Media Marketing](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/tag/social-media-marketing/) - [nepal seo industry](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/tag/nepal-seo-industry/) - [SEO strategies for top ranking](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/tag/seo-strategies-for-top-ranking/) - [Top search engine ranking](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/tag/top-search-engine-ranking/) ## Team Categories - [team](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/dt_team_category/team/) - [founders](https://niteshbaidya.com.np/dt_team_category/founders/)
Best Practices for LLMs
Keep It Simple
Use short sentences. Avoid jargon. Write like you’re talking to a friend.
Be Accurate
Only include information that’s true and current. Update your file when things change.
Focus on Value
Highlight what makes your site useful. What problems do you solve? What can visitors learn?
Use Clear Structure
Organize information with headings. Use bullet points for lists. Make it scannable.
Keep It Updated
Review your llms.txt file every few months. Add new pages. Remove old information.
Don’t Overstuff Keywords
Write naturally. Don’t repeat keywords just to rank higher. AI tools prefer genuine content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Making It Too Long
Keep your llms.txt file under 1000 words. AI tools need quick information, not novels.
2. Using Complex Language
Avoid technical terms unless necessary. Simple words work better.
3. Forgetting to Update
Old information confuses AI tools. Set a reminder to review your file quarterly.
4. Hiding Important Pages
Include all your key pages. Don’t leave out important sections of your site.
5. Wrong File Format
Save as plain text (.txt), not Word (.doc) or PDF. AI tools need plain text.
How llms.txt Helps SEO
llms.txt complements your SEO strategy. Here’s how:
AI-Powered Search
Google and Bing are adding AI features. Sites with llms.txt perform better in AI-generated answers.
Structured Information
Search engines like well-organized content. llms.txt shows your site structure clearly.
Better Indexing
When AI tools understand your site, they share it more often. This creates natural backlinks.
Voice Search Optimization
Voice assistants use llms.txt to find accurate answers. This helps with voice search visibility.
Measuring llms.txt Success
Track these metrics to see if llms.txt works:
1. AI Referral Traffic
Check your analytics for traffic from AI platforms. Look for referrals from ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity.
2. Brand Mentions
Search for your brand name in AI tools. See if they mention your site accurately.
3. Direct Traffic
More people finding you through AI means more direct visits.
4. Engagement Rates
Visitors from AI tools often have high engagement. They’re looking for specific information.
The Future of llms.txt
AI is growing fast. Here’s what’s coming:
Industry Standards
More organizations are creating llms.txt guidelines. Standards will emerge soon.
Integration with Other Files
llms.txt might work alongside robots.txt and sitemap.xml in the future.
Advanced Features
Future versions might support more complex instructions for AI tools.
Wider Adoption
As more sites add LLMs, it will become standard practice like robots.txt.
Getting Started Today
Ready to create your llms.txt file? Here’s your action plan:
- Write a draft – Spend 15 minutes outlining your site
- List key pages – Choose your 5-10 most important pages
- Create the file – Use a text editor to write your llms.txt
- Upload it – Add the file to your website root
- Test it – Visit yoursite.com/llms.txt to confirm it works
- Monitor results – Check your analytics after a few weeks
Why “llms.txt” Matters
This connects back to your blog post!
The llms.txt file helps these AI systems understand your website better. When someone asks ChatGPT, Claude, or another LLM about topics related to your site, the llms.txt file helps the AI:
- Find your content faster
- Understand what you offer
- Give accurate information about your business
- Recommend your site to users
Key Things to Know About LLMs
They’re NOT search engines – They generate responses based on training, not just searching the web (though some can search)
They can make mistakes – Called “hallucinations,” sometimes they generate incorrect information confidently
They don’t have real opinions – They predict helpful responses but don’t have personal beliefs
They’re constantly improving – New versions come out regularly with better capabilities
Privacy matters – Be careful about sharing sensitive information in conversations
The Connection to Your Website
When you create an llms.txt file on your website, you’re essentially giving LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude a “cheat sheet” about your site. This helps them:
✅ Understand your business accurately
✅ Include your site in relevant answers
✅ Direct potential customers to you
✅ Represent your brand correctly
The Future of LLMs
LLMs are rapidly evolving and will likely:
- Become more accurate and reliable
- Integrate into more apps and services
- Power voice assistants better
- Help with complex problem-solving
- Change how we search for information online
Conclusion
LLMs are a simple but powerful tool. It helps AI understand your website better. This leads to more visibility, traffic, and opportunities.
The internet is moving toward AI-powered search. Websites that prepare now will have a major advantage. Creating an LLMS file takes less than an hour. The benefits can last for years.
Don’t wait for your competitors to act first. Add llms.txt to your website today. Help AI tools discover your content. Connect with visitors who need what you offer.
Key Takeaways
- llms.txt helps AI tools understand your website
- The file is simple to create and easy to maintain
- It improves your visibility in AI-powered search
- Most websites don’t have llms.txt yet, giving you an advantage
- Regular updates keep your information current
Need Help?
Creating your first llms.txt file is straightforward. Start with the basics. Add more details over time. The important thing is to begin.
Your website deserves to be found. llms.txt makes that happen in the age of AI.
FAQ – What is LLMs(Large Language Models)
1: What is llms.txt?
Ans: llms.txt is a text file you add to your website’s root directory that helps AI chatbots and language models understand your site’s content, structure, and purpose. Similar to how robots.txt guides search engine crawlers, llms.txt acts as a guide for AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google’s Gemini. The file should be accessible at yourwebsite.com/llms.txt and contains your site description, key pages, and important information you want AI assistants to know.
2: Why do I need llms.txt on my website?
Ans: You need llms.txt because AI assistants are becoming major sources of web traffic and information discovery. When people ask AI tools questions, these tools scan websites to find answers. If your site has an llms.txt file, AI assistants can understand your content faster, share accurate information about your business, and recommend your site to users. Without llms.txt, AI might misunderstand your content or skip your site entirely, causing you to miss potential visitors.
3: How do I create an llms.txt file?
Ans: Creating an llms.txt file is simple. Open a plain text editor like Notepad or TextEdit, write your website name and description at the top, list your important pages with links, describe what content visitors can find, and optionally add contact information. Save the file as “llms.txt” in plain text format (not .doc or .pdf), then upload it to your website’s root directory so it appears at yourwebsite.com/llms.txt. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
4: Where should I put the llms.txt file?
Ans: Place the llms.txt file in your website’s root directory, which is the same location where you’d find files like robots.txt or sitemap.xml. The file must be accessible at yourwebsite.com/llms.txt (replacing “yourwebsite.com” with your actual domain). If you’re using WordPress, you can upload it via FTP or your hosting file manager to the public_html folder. For other platforms, consult your web hosting documentation on accessing your root directory.
5: What should I include in llms.txt?
Ans: Include your website name and a brief description of its purpose, links to your most important pages (home, about, services, blog, contact), a summary of what content visitors can find on your site, and any key information about your business or updates. Keep descriptions clear and concise. Use simple language that anyone can understand. Organize information with headings and bullet points for easy scanning. The total content should stay under 1,000 words to remain digestible for AI tools.
6: Is llms.txt different from robots.txt?
Ans: Yes, llms.txt and robots.txt serve different purposes. robots.txt is a technical file that tells search engine crawlers which pages they can or cannot index on your site. It uses specific directives like “Allow” and “Disallow.” llms.txt, on the other hand, helps AI language models understand what your website offers and how to accurately represent your content when answering user questions. It’s written in plain, human-readable language rather than technical directives. Both files sit in your root directory but serve complementary roles.
7: How long should my llms.txt file be?
Ans: Keep your llms.txt file under 1,000 words for optimal results. AI tools need quick, digestible information rather than lengthy explanations. Focus on essential information: your site’s purpose, key pages, and what makes your content valuable. A typical llms.txt file might be 300-500 words. Shorter is often better as long as you include all critical information. If you find yourself writing more than 1,000 words, edit down to only the most important details that help AI tools understand and recommend your site.
8: Do I need to update my llms.txt file?
Ans: Yes, review and update your llms.txt file every few months or whenever significant changes occur on your website. Update it when you add important new pages or sections, change your services or product offerings, rebrand your business, or shift your site’s focus. Regular updates ensure AI tools have current, accurate information about your site. Set a quarterly reminder to review the file and make necessary changes. Outdated information can cause AI assistants to provide incorrect details about your business.
9: Can llms.txt help my SEO?
Ans: While llms.txt primarily targets AI assistants rather than traditional search engines, it can indirectly benefit your SEO. As AI features become integrated into search engines like Google and Bing, sites with llms.txt may perform better in AI-generated answers and summaries. When AI tools accurately understand and recommend your site, this can create natural backlinks and referral traffic. Additionally, the clear site structure you document in llms.txt reflects good information architecture, which search engines favor. Think of llms.txt as future-proofing your website for AI-powered search.
10: What format should I use for llms.txt?
Ans: Use plain text format (.txt) for your llms.txt file. Do not use Word documents (.doc, .docx), PDFs, HTML, or other formats. Open a basic text editor like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac in plain text mode), or any code editor. Use simple markdown-style formatting with hash marks for headings (# for main heading, ## for subheadings) and hyphens or asterisks for bullet points. Keep formatting minimal and readable. The file should be saved with UTF-8 encoding to ensure compatibility with all AI systems.
