Ever wondered how AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini understand your website when someone asks about your business? The answer might surprise you: they often struggle with it.
Here's the problem: most websites are too large and complex for AI models to process effectively. When someone asks an AI "What does SlaxOne do?" the AI has to somehow parse through dozens of pages, navigate complex menus, and piece together your value proposition from scattered content.
Enter llms.txt — a simple solution that's about to change how AI systems interact with your website.
Think of llms.txt as a "cheat sheet" for AI models about your website. It's a simple text file that lives at yourwebsite.com/llms.txt
and contains a structured overview of:
The concept is brilliantly simple: instead of forcing AI models to crawl and interpret your entire website, you give them a concise, well-organized summary of everything that matters.
Here's what happens when someone asks an AI about your business without an llms.txt file:
The AI's Challenge:
The Result:
Let's look at how SlaxOne (a cloud consulting and digital marketing company) implemented their llms.txt file:
# SlaxOne
> SlaxOne Inc. provides cloud consulting, DevOps, platform engineering,
> software development, AI automation, digital marketing, and cybersecurity services.
## Core Services
- [AWS Cloud Services](https://slaxone.com/cloud/aws-services) — AWS architecture design, migration, and cost optimization.
- [Cloud Consulting](https://slaxone.com/cloud/cloud-consulting) — Multi-cloud strategy, infrastructure planning, and cloud security.
- [Software Development](https://slaxone.com/software-development) — Custom enterprise software, integrations, and application development.
Notice how clean and informative this is? An AI can instantly understand:
We're entering the age of AI-mediated discovery. Here's what's happening:
2025 Reality:
Without llms.txt, you're invisible to this new paradigm.
With llms.txt, you become:
Your llms.txt should be comprehensive but concise. Here's a proven structure:
# Your Company Name
> Brief description of what you do and who you serve
## Core Services
- [Service Name](link) — Brief description of what this service includes
- [Product Name](link) — Key features and benefits
## Resources & Information
- [About Page](link) — Company history, team, mission
- [Contact](link) — How to reach you for inquiries
- [Blog/Insights](link) — Thought leadership content
## Featured Content
- [Key Article](link) — Brief description of the topic
- [Case Study](link) — Success story or results achieved
Step 1: Create a text file named llms.txt
Step 2: Structure your content using simple markdown formattingStep 3: Upload it to your website's root directory (yoursite.com/llms.txt
)Step 4: Test it by visiting the URL directly
That's it. No complex coding, no special software, no ongoing maintenance required.
❌ Too Much Information Don't dump your entire website into the file. Keep it focused and scannable.
❌ Outdated Links Make sure all URLs work and point to current content.
❌ Marketing Fluff AI systems prefer clear, factual descriptions over promotional language.
❌ Missing Context Don't assume the AI knows your industry jargon. Explain technical terms briefly.
Right now, most businesses don't have an llms.txt file. This is your chance to get ahead.
Companies that implement this early will:
Here's your action plan:
Week 1: Audit your current website structure
Week 2: Draft your llms.txt content using the structure above
Week 3: Implement and test your file
Week 4: Monitor how AI systems describe your business
Pro Tip: Ask AI assistants about your business before and after implementing llms.txt. You'll be amazed at the difference in accuracy and completeness.
We're not just preparing for the future — we're adapting to the present. AI systems are already influencing buying decisions, providing business recommendations, and answering customer questions about your services.
The question isn't whether you should create an llms.txt file. The question is: can you afford not to?
Your competitors are starting to figure this out. The businesses that act now will own the AI-mediated discovery space in their industry.
Ready to make your website AI-friendly? Start drafting your llms.txt file today. Your future customers (and the AI systems helping them find you) will thank you.
Want help implementing llms.txt for your website or need expert guidance on AI-ready web strategies? Contact SlaxOne — we help businesses stay ahead of the digital curve.