Over-Optimizing llms.txt: Will It Boost Your SEO?

TL;DR:
No. Over-optimizing your llms.txt file won't improve your SEO rankings today. While it's a promising idea for future AI readability, major search engines and AI tools don't use it as a signal. Done well, it's harmless. Done poorly, it could erode trust.

What Is an llms.txt File?

An llms.txt file is a Markdown-format text file placed at the root of your website. It serves as a curated content guide for Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Bing’s AI.

Unlike robots.txt, which tells crawlers what to avoid, llms.txt says:
"Hey, LLMs — here’s our best stuff. Ignore the noise."

A standard llms.txt file includes:

• A short description of your website

• A few key topic sections

• Selected URLs with one-line summaries

Its goal? To help AI models quickly find your most valuable, trusted pages — not buried behind menus, ads, or CTAs.

Is llms.txt Used by Google or ChatGPT?

No.
Neither Google, Open AI, nor Anthropic (Claude) currently uses llms.txt in any official capacity.

• Google has stated it's unnecessary for search indexing or rankings

• OpenAI’s GPTBot rarely accesses these files

• Bing and Perplexity haven’t formally adopted the standard either

That means adding or over-stuffing your llms.txt file won’t increase:

• Rankings

• Crawl rate

• Indexation

• Traffic

At best, it's ignored. At worst, it may send spam signals if misused.

Can llms.txt Help With AI Visibility?

Possibly — in the future.

In theory, if LLMs begin referencing llms.txt, your content might be easier to cite in AI answers. But that’s not how it works today. LLMs generate responses based on:

• Your actual on-page HTML

• The clarity and authority of the content itself

• Internal linking and semantic structure

So while llms.txt sounds useful, AI models don’t rely on it (yet).

What Happens If You Over-Optimise llms.txt?

Here’s where some SEOs get too clever for their own good.

Over-optimising means:

• Stuffing it with keywords

• Adding too many links

• Repeating pages under different sections

• Misrepresenting content to trick AI

The risks:

• No SEO gain — It doesn’t help, and wastes time

• AI trust issues — LLMs may treat it like spam

• Inaccurate AI answers — Misleading summaries = misquoted brand info

• Competitor insight — You’re revealing your best content strategy in one file

In short: it’s a bit like keyword-stuffing in 2008. It may feel smart. It’s not.

Best Practices for Using llms.txt (Without Overdoing It)

If you do want to experiment with llms.txt, here’s how to do it right:

• Be selective – Highlight your best pages only

• Use plain Markdown – Headings, bullets, clear summaries

• Keep it honest – Descriptions must match actual page content

• Update regularly – Especially after publishing major new content

• Don’t keyword-stuff – Write for a human reader (or a cautious AI)

It should feel like a table of contents, not a marketing brochure.

How Do You Make a llms.txt File?

Super simple. Here's a quick guide:

• Open a plain text editor

• Add an H1 header (e.g. # MySite.com)

• Write a 1–2 sentence description of your site

• Break your key content into sections with H2s (## Guides, ## Products, etc.)

• Under each, list links in Markdown with short summaries:

## Guides

- [Beginner’s SEO Guide](https://yoursite.com/seo-guide): Covers on-page and technical SEO for 2024

- [Analytics Setup](https://yoursite.com/analytics): Google Analytics 4 step-by-step walkthrough

• Save as llms.txt

• Upload to your root domain: https://yoursite.com/llms.txt

Done.

What Are LLMs Actually Looking For?

When LLMs fetch your site, they’re scanning for:

• Clear, structured content

• Authoritative tone and factual accuracy

• Minimal distractions (ads, popups, auto-play videos)

• Up-to-date information

• Natural semantic signals (headings, schema, internal links)

So the best thing you can do — with or without llms.txt — is produce content that genuinely answers questions.

Final Thoughts: A Map Without a Reader (Yet)

Right now, llms.txt is like writing a beautifully detailed treasure map... without knowing if anyone's going to read it.

Is it worth having? Sure — as a low-effort experiment or internal tool. But don’t treat it like a secret SEO weapon. It won’t move your rankings, and overloading it might even backfire.

Focus on the fundamentals: great content, a clear structure, and a site that serves real human users.

For those exploring AI-focused SEO, answer engine optimization might be a better place to invest your time.

And if you’re refining your content architecture or internal linking strategy, you might find this breakdown on content hubs useful too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is an llms.txt file?

  A simple Markdown file that highlights key pages on your site for AI tools. It’s like a curated sitemap for LLMs.

• What’s the difference between robots.txt and llms.txt?

  robots.txt blocks or allows crawler access. llms.txt recommends content but doesn’t control access.

• Is llms.txt used by ChatGPT or Google Gemini?

  No. There is currently no official support or adoption.

• Can llms.txt improve my SEO?

  Not directly. It has no impact on rankings, indexing, or traffic.

• Should I list all my site’s pages?

  No. Only include pages that offer real value — detailed guides, product explainers, FAQs, etc.

• Can I include Markdown links?

  Yes. Markdown is the preferred format.

• Will llms.txt help with AI search visibility?

  Possibly in the future, but there’s no evidence it matters now.

• How often should I update it?

  Whenever your best content changes. Treat it like a live content map.

Anthony Yang

Hi, I’m Anthony, the founder of Elescend Marketing. Over the past three years, I’ve worked with more than 35 small businesses across North America.

Today, I lead a highly skilled SEO team and work closely with small businesses to help them reach the first page of Google and build steady organic traffic within six months. My focus is on delivering real, measurable results, not empty promises. Visit my LinkedIn profile.