Welcome to the AI Search Revolution: Why Your Website Needs an llms.txt File
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Introduction
Hey there, SEO warriors, marketers, and tech-curious folks! 👋 Ever feel like the internet’s shifting under your feet? You’re not alone.
I just tuned into the latest Conquer AI Search podcast (shoutout to hosts Avi and Catherine!), and they dropped some serious truth bombs about how AI is rewriting the rules of search.
🔥 Spoiler: Your old SEO playbook? It’s getting a major upgrade.
🤖 AI Isn’t Just Chatty—It’s Changing Everything
Imagine this: 40% of users now prefer asking AI (like ChatGPT or Gemini) for answers instead of scrolling through Google results.
Why? Because AI gives quick, direct responses, no more digging through 10 blue links.
But here’s the kicker: When AI does cite sources, it often pulls from fewer than five. If your content isn’t in that tiny pool, you’re invisible.
🧭 Enter Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Your new survival skill in the AI search era.
And the first step? A humble little file called:
llms.txt
(Pronounced “L-L-M-s dot T-X-T”—say it with me!)
🧠 What the Heck is llms.txt?
Think of it as a mash-up between:
- robots.txt (the bouncer that tells search bots what’s off-limits)
- and a super-smart tour guide that whispers to AI:
“Here’s what matters most on this site.”
It’s a simple text file written in Markdown, placed in your website’s root directory.
🎯 It's 3 Game-Changing Superpowers:
- Prioritizes key content
“Hey AI, my pricing page is way more important than that random 2012 blog comment.” - Adds context
“This section explains our product. That one’s just fun memes.” - Flags outdated or sensitive info
“Maybe don’t quote this archived post—it’s ancient.”
- Prioritizes key content
Think of llms.txt as giving AI a curated map to your knowledge—so it represents your brand more accurately.
🚀 Why Bother? (Hint: Your Brand Depends on It)
“But wait,” you say. “AI companies aren’t required to follow my llms.txt!”
True. But…
Early adopters like HubSpot and Zapier are already seeing benefits:
✅ More accurate citations
✅ Better brand summaries
✅ Early advantage in AI-driven search
✅ Future-proofing your content strategy
As Avi nailed it:
“In the age of AI search, visibility isn’t just about being found anymore. It’s about being understood.”
🧪 How to Create Your LLMs.txt File (In 5 Simple Steps)
- Plan – Audit your site. What content is core? What’s outdated?
- Write – Use Markdown to format your file. Be clear and brief.
- Save – Name the file exactly LLMs.txt and make sure it’s plain UTF-8 text.
- Upload – Place it in your website’s root directory.
- Verify – Visit yourdomain.com/LLMs.txt to check it’s live.
- Plan – Audit your site. What content is core? What’s outdated?
And don’t forget: Update it quarterly or whenever your content strategy changes.
🔮 GEO: This is Just the Beginning
llms.txt is your starting line, not the finish.
Future episodes of Conquer AI Search will dig into:
- On-page GEO optimization
- Tracking when and how AI cites your content
- Fine-tuning how AI describes your brand
But for now?
This tiny text file might be your biggest lever in the AI-powered search landscape.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Feeling inspired?
✅ Audit your key content
✅ Create your llms.txt
✅ Influence how AI perceives your brand
And if you want the full scoop, definitely check out the latest episode of Conquer AI Search.
📣 Bonus: Free Premium Marketing Courses!
As a thank you to our listeners and readers, we’re giving away 10 premium marketing courses — absolutely FREE. (Value: $19–$199 each)
👉 All you have to do is comment with the name of your favorite course and we will get it out to you.
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Do You Know What ChatGPT is Saying about Your Brand?
Don’t wait for a crisis. Proactively manage your brand’s reputation in the age of AI. To learn what AI is saying about you, book 1:1 Meeting with the #1 GEO Expert in the world.
