You have probably heard of robots.txt. It is a small file that tells Google which pages to crawl. Now there is a new file getting attention: llms.txt. It does a similar job, but for AI. Instead of guiding search engines, it guides tools like ChatGPT and Claude. As more Aussies use AI to find local businesses, this little file could matter for your website. In this guide, we explain llms.txt in plain English, show you how to create one, and help you decide if your business needs it.
What Is llms.txt?
llms.txt is a simple text file you place at the root of your website, for example at yoursite.com.au/llms.txt. Its job is to give AI systems a clean summary of your site. Your website is built for humans, with images, menus, and design elements. However, AI crawlers read raw text, and they can miss key details buried in fancy layouts. llms.txt fixes this by offering AI a straightforward version of your site: your key pages, what each covers, and your most important content.
Why llms.txt Is Trending in 2026
Three trends have pushed llms.txt into the spotlight. First, AI search is now mainstream. Millions of Australians use ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews daily. Second, a new field called GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) is growing: optimising for AI answers instead of Google rankings. Third, AI crawlers are more active than ever. If your site is hard to read, they may skip it. llms.txt makes their job easier.
The Rise of GEO
Traditional SEO aims for Google rankings. GEO aims for AI mentions. SEO rewards backlinks and keywords. GEO rewards clarity, factual depth, and structured answers. llms.txt sits at the foundation of GEO because it hands AI a clean summary instead of forcing it to parse your design.
What Goes Inside an llms.txt File?
The format is simple Markdown. A typical llms.txt file includes your site name and a one-line description, your 5 to 10 key pages with short summaries, and a note on pages the AI should skip. Example:
# Smith Plumbing
> Family-run plumbing business serving Brisbane northside since 2009.
## Services
- [Emergency Plumbing](https://example.com.au/emergency): 24/7 callouts.
- [Hot Water Systems](https://example.com.au/hot-water): All major brands.
How to Create an llms.txt File
- Write a short summary of your business. Cover who you are, what you do, and your service area.
- List your key pages. Homepage, service pages, about page, and contact page, each with a one-sentence description.
- Link your best content. Guides and FAQs show the AI you are a real expert. This supports your E-E-A-T signals, which we cover in our AI Overviews guide.
- Note pages to skip. Login pages and tag archives add no value.
- Upload the file to your website root at yourdomain.com.au/llms.txt. On WordPress, you can use an SEO plugin or a dedicated llms.txt plugin.
- Test it. Open the URL in your browser and confirm it loads as plain text.
Which Businesses Benefit Most?
Content-heavy sites: llms.txt helps AI find your best articles and cite them. Tradies in competitive markets: this ties in with local SEO for tradies. Complex websites with hundreds of pages or heavy JavaScript. Who can wait? If your site is small and simple, focus on the basics first: good content and a complete Google Business Profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Copying someone else’s file misleads AI systems. Keyword stuffing is spotted easily, so write naturally. Never updating it: review your llms.txt file twice a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is llms.txt an official standard?
Not yet. It began as a community proposal. The Markdown format is the most widely used, and it is safe to adopt.
Will llms.txt improve my Google rankings?
No, not directly. Google does not read llms.txt. The file targets AI models like ChatGPT.
Do I need a developer to make one?
No. Anyone who can use a text editor can create llms.txt. Uploading it is the only technical step.
How is it different from robots.txt?
Robots.txt controls which pages crawlers may visit. llms.txt helps AI understand what those pages contain.
Should SEO come before llms.txt?
Yes, always. Make sure your website turns visitors into leads first, then add llms.txt as a smart extra.
Conclusion
llms.txt is a simple file with real potential. It helps AI systems understand your website clearly, which matters more each month as AI search grows. Moreover, it costs nothing and takes under an hour to set up. Write an honest summary, list your key pages, upload the file, and get back to winning customers.
Further Reading
- The llms.txt proposal — a standard for AI-ready website content
- Robots exclusion standard on Wikipedia