Its goal? Helping generative AI better understand your website content.
But what exactly is it? Who is already using it? And the big question: is it worth your time today?
What is the llms.txt file?
We already know robots.txt and sitemap.xml: robots.txt tells search engines what they can crawl, sitemap.xml lists all pages of a site.
The llms.txt file is different: it targets AI and LLMs (Large Language Models). It’s a Markdown file, placed at the root of your site (yoursite.com/llms.txt), summarizing your pages and their content in a clear, structured way. Introduced in 2024, this standard aims to make websites more accessible to AI. (Official source: llmstxt.org)
Simplified example
Our example: llms.txt file of Pyxa
Unlike a sitemap, the llms.txt file does more than list URLs — it provides textual context that AI systems can reuse.
Does it really matter for SEO and AI-driven search?
So far, no major player like Google, OpenAI, or Bing officially supports the llms.txt filellms.txt. AI can already parse HTML and understand your content, which reduces the immediate impact.
However, some sites have already adopted it, especially in technical documentation and APIs (see the adopter directory). The idea is to be one step ahead, offering a clear version of their content in case AI engines start relying on it tomorrow.
Early adopters in Switzerland include:
– St.Galler Kantonalbank (SGKB)
– Peax
– Logitech
For now, the llms.txt file remains experimental: interesting for pioneers testing AI-SEO, but not yet a must-have for most websites.
Should you create an llms.txt file now?
Short answer: It’s not a priority, but it’s easy to set up.
- If you’re curious or want to stay ahead of AI-SEO: do it — it only takes 5 minutes.
- If you’re short on time: focus on traditional SEO and strong content first.
How to add an llms.txt file easily
- Use an online generator (e.g., WordLift).
- Install a WordPress plugin (Rank Math, Yoast, or a custom snippet).
- Manually create a text file and upload it via FTP.
While llms.txtthe llms.txt file is still experimental, structured data (Schema.org) is already a recognized SEO standardsupported by Google, Bing, and other search engines.
They play a crucial role in e-commerce SEO: They enable rich snippets in Google (price, stock availability, reviews, stars). They are required for visibility in Google Shopping or product carousels.
- Define the type of content (article, product, recipe, event…).
- Help search engines display enhanced results (FAQ, ratings, price, availability).
- Structure your information in a universal format, understood by both search engines and AI.
The llms.txt file might be the future, but structured data is essential today.
Conclusion
The llms.txt file and SEO form a still-experimental duo: it could become a key tool for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), this new approach aimed at optimizing websites for AI-driven search engines… or disappear as quickly as it appeared. For now, the topic of llms.txt SEO remains mostly exploratory, but it is worth keeping an eye on.
For most websites, it’s not a top priority. But since it’s quick to set up, why not test it? You could be among the first in Switzerland preparing your site for the AI search era.
Are you an SME in Switzerland wondering whether the llms.txt file or AI-SEO could make a difference for your business? Contact Pyxa in Sierre — let’s review your digital strategy together.
Leave a Reply