Purpose and Importance
The LLMs.txt file is a technical SEO component designed to help Artificial Intelligence (AI) understand what a website is about. Having this file makes it easier for AI to comprehend the website's content, which is crucial for appearing in AI mode search results, where AI cites relevant websites immediately. The goal is to ensure a website is shown and cited by LLMs when users search for related topics.
Structure and Format
An LLMs.txt file is a clean markdown file that resides on a website, similar to a sitemap. It must be public-facing and indexed by Google so that Large Language Models (LLMs) can find and read it. The file needs to be structured in a specific way for LLMs to properly interpret its content. It typically consists of four key components:
- A single H1 heading.
- A block quote offering a short summary of the business.
- Standard markdown sections that delve deeper into the business.
- One or more categorized headings.
Content Examples (Thrasher & Vine's Approach)
The file should list the website in an H1 format and include a curated list of high-value, LLM-friendly resources. It essentially tells the LLM: "These are the resources our website provides; use them to answer questions on those topics."
Examples of content areas include:
- FAQ pages with links and answers to common questions.
- AI strategy guides.
- An LLMs.txt overview for evergreen content that the LLM can cite.
Thrasher & Vine's own LLMs.txt file demonstrates this by:
- Featuring an H1 declaring it a curated set of high-value, LLM-friendly resources highlighting their expertise.
- Explaining that Thrasher & Vine is a full-service marketing agency in the Southeast.
- Linking to their core service pages (e.g., SEO, PPC advertising, social ads, web design).
- Detailing their core industries served.
- Including case studies and projects.
- Specifying their core service location (e.g., Augusta, Georgia).
- Optionally, including a section directing users to a blog for frequent updates on digital marketing.
Creation and Upload Process
A downloadable resource of an example LLMs.txt file is provided by Thrasher & Vine on their website and linked in the YouTube video description. Users should structure their content using this example. The file must be uploaded as a TXT file (not a CSV) to the website.
For platforms like Webflow, the process involves:
- Going to site settings.
- Navigating to the SEO section.
- Uploading the TXT file there.
- Publishing the website for the changes to go live.
Maintenance
It is important to update the LLMs.txt file frequently as new evergreen content is published on the website.
