What is llms.txt? A Guide to AI Search Visibility
AI powered search tools are reshaping how people discover and trust information. When your website is clear, structured and easy to interpret, it has a better chance of appearing in AI generated results. Strong SEO foundations and a helpful FAQ page still matter, but there’s also a simple file you can add to help tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity understand your organization.
In this article I’ll explain what an llms.txt file is, walk you through creating one and offer some guidance on how to host it. Creating the file is the easy part, figuring out where and how to host it may be the more complicated part where you may need to tag in development support if you can. You’ll find the llms.txt file I created for One Girl Guru in the appendix, so you can see an example.
What is an llms.txt file and why does it matter?
An llms.txt file is a simple text file that describes your website for AI tools. Think of it like a condensed guide, similar to a robots.txt file but designed for large language models. While robots.txt tells search engine crawlers which pages to ignore, llms.txt offers a short summary of key pages so AI tools can understand your work quickly.
Here’s why it matters:
AI tools don’t always “read” websites like humans do, so they benefit from a clear guide.
Large language models have limited context windows: they can’t ingest an entire site at once, so a concise summary helps them grasp the essentials.
A clear llms.txt file lets AI models process and reference your content more accurately.
Adding one supports your SEO efforts and boosts your visibility across AI‑focused search platforms.
Let llms.txt Support Your SEO Strategy and Long‑Term Visibility
An llms.txt file helps connect your content to voice search, AI citations, knowledge panels and generative search results, but it’s not a magic fix. It works best alongside your existing visibility tools, solid on‑page SEO, a clear site structure, a helpful FAQ page and a regularly updated blog. Begin with the basics: make sure your titles, meta descriptions and keywords are in good shape. Without that foundation, extra files and pages can only do so much.
Your on‑page SEO, blog layout, site architecture and FAQ pages should all be up to date and working together. Don’t get sidetracked by buzzwords like AEO or GEO; focus on the fundamentals first. Simple steps such as adding ALT text to your images and keeping metadata current go a long way.
To stay on top of these elements, run a quick audit. I like using the Sprout SEO Extension for Chrome, it lets you review your titles, descriptions and ALT text in real time. Schedule these checks at least twice a year, quarterly if you can, to keep older content fresh. If you need help getting started, you’ll find more tips on my blog, including my post FAQ Pages Are More Than Just Helpful. They're Strategic.
How to Create a Simple LLMs.txt File Without Coding
You don’t need to be a coder to create an llms.txt file. A basic text editor and some clear structure are all it takes. Keep it brief and focused: start with your mission statement, then outline each of your most important pages. Whether you list every page or just the key ones, stick to the markdown formatting described below so AI tools can parse it consistently. You can also create a LLMs.txt file by using the Onegirlguru.com LLMs.txt file below as an example.
Here’s a simple process to follow:
Open a text editor like Notepad or Google Docs
Name the file exactly LLMs.txt
Write a short summary of your site’s mission and audience
Use markdown headings (like ## Services or ## About) to introduce each section.
List four to eight key pages with a sentence or two describing what visitors will find there.
Save the file as plain text and upload it to the root folder of your website.
Following these steps will give AI tools a clear roadmap to your content and help you make the most of this new visibility opportunity.
Where to Host Your LLMs.txt File (and When to Ask for Dev Help)
Placing your llms.txt file in the right spot can be tricky, especially on hosted CMS platforms. Each system gives you a different level of access to the root directory where the file should live. If you’re not sure how to add it, or even what “root directory” means, it’s smart to loop in a web developer for support. The notes below outline where to begin, how hosting works on popular platforms and links you can share with your developer.
Platform‑Specific Hosting Information: Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, WordPress
Squarespace
Squarespace does not currently support uploading files to the root directory of a website. This means you cannot host an LLMs.txt file at the ideal location (yourdomain.com/llms.txt), which is where AI systems expect to find it.
The best available workaround is to upload the LLMs.txt file through Squarespace’s Files area, which generates a publicly accessible link (for example, yourdomain.com/s/llms.txt). While this version may not be automatically recognized as a standards-compliant LLMs.txt by all AI crawlers, it can still serve as a useful AI-readable site summary when referenced in documentation, developer notes, or a sitemap.
This approach allows Squarespace users to participate in emerging AI-readability best practices, even though full technical compliance is currently limited by the platform.
More info Squarespace: Uploading and Managing Files
Webflow
Webflow supports hosting an LLMs.txt file through SEO and site file settings, but availability and file limits depend on your plan level. In many cases, a Business or higher-tier plan is required to upload and manage custom SEO-related files.
Webflow allows users to upload and manage site files that can be used for AI-readable documentation and SEO configuration. While this provides a relatively clean implementation path, file size limits and plan restrictions should be considered when working with content-rich LLMs.txt files.
Webflow resources:
Upload an LLMs.txt File to Your Site
Wix Studio
Wix Studio supports the LLMs.txt standard and is actively rolling out automatically generated LLMs.txt files for eligible sites. These files provide AI systems with a structured summary of a website’s key information, helping large language models better understand business offerings, content, and site context.
For supported sites, Wix creates and maintains the LLMs.txt file automatically, using site data such as products, pages, and structured content. The file is refreshed regularly to stay aligned with sitemap updates and site changes, reducing the need for manual setup or developer intervention.
Availability may vary depending on site type and rollout stage. Site owners can check access by viewing SEO settings in the Wix dashboard.
Read more from Wix: Understanding Your Site's LLMs.txt File
WordPress (self-hosted)
Self-hosted WordPress offers full support for hosting an LLMs.txt file in the root directory, making it one of the most flexible and standards-compliant options for AI readiness.
With server or hosting access (via cPanel, FTP, or SFTP), you can upload llms.txt directly to your site’s root folder, typically alongside robots.txt. This allows AI crawlers and agents to discover the file at the expected location (yourdomain.com/llms.txt) without workarounds.
How-to guide: How to use SFTP with WordPress
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Clear, and Mission‑Aligned
An llms.txt file can enhance your SEO strategy, AI citations and website visibility. You don’t need to be a developer to create one, though you may want help hosting it on your site. Before you start, get clear on what your organization offers, who it serves and where your most valuable content lives. Use your voice to tell that story and highlight your services. The key is clarity and conciseness; make sure the file complements your broader SEO work rather than standing alone.
Appendix:
Additional Resources:
What Marketers should know about LLMs.txt
Wix: 5 real-world LLMs.txt use cases we should be talking about
One Girl Guru Example llms.txt file example:
# One Girl Guru
One Girl Guru is a digital marketing consultancy helping nonprofits, small businesses, and purpose-driven organizations improve visibility, grow audiences, and strengthen their digital presence. Core services include SEO, content strategy, email marketing, analytics, and business automation tools. The focus is on clarity, accessibility, and sustainable, mission-aligned growth.
## About
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/about: Mission, background, expertise, and approach.
## Services
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/services: Overview of all digital marketing services.
- SEO and website optimization for nonprofits and small businesses
- Content strategy, blogging, and editorial planning
- Email marketing, campaigns, and automation
- Analytics, reporting, and data audits
- Marketing systems setup and workflow optimization
## Process
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/process: Project workflow, onboarding, and collaboration process.
## Portfolio
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/portfolio: Examples of social media content, email marketing, and website projects.
## Clients
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/clients: Client list, partnerships, and SEO backlink references.
## Testimonials
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/testimonials: Client feedback, reviews, and success stories.
## Blog & Resources
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/blog: Articles on nonprofit marketing, SEO, content systems, AI-ready websites, and digital strategy.
## FAQs
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/frequently-asked-questions: Common questions about services, pricing, and working with One Girl Guru.
## Policies
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/privacy-policy: Privacy policy.
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/cookie-policy: Cookie policy.
## Contact
- https://www.onegirlguru.com/contact: Contact form and inquiry information.
Need help creating or hosting your LLMs.txt file?
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How I Write the One Girl Guru Blog
Every post you read here is written by me (hi, I’m Evelyn 👋), drawing on real experiences supporting small teams, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses. I keep it practical, encouraging, and grounded in what actually works.
Sometimes I use AI tools for light editing or outlining, but every idea, insight, and example comes from my work in the field.
Got a topic you’d like me to cover? I’d love to hear from you.