A short introduction to your website
Think of the file as a compact reading guide. It states what the business does and points to pages where a reader or tool can find more detail.
It is a proposal, not an official standard. Having one does not mean an AI tool will read it, cite it, or send customers your way.
For a small business, the sensible scope is modest. Summarize the facts you already maintain elsewhere. Avoid turning it into another sales page full of broad claims.
A small business skeleton
This illustrative outline uses placeholders, not facts about a real business. Replace them with accurate information before publishing.
Business name: [Your business name]
Summary: [One sentence about what you do]
Services: [Your actual services]
Area: [Where you work]
Hours: [Your current opening hours]
Contact: [Your business phone and contact details]
Key pages:
- Services: [URL]
- Service area: [URL]
- About: [URL]
- Contact: [URL]A real file can use Markdown links for the key pages. Keep the summary short enough that checking it against your website is easy.
PMI’s own file is at /llms.txt.
Adoption calls for modest expectations
In April 2025, Google’s John Mueller said no AI system currently used llms.txt. Some AI tools and developers do read it, but that does not establish broad adoption. Google has also said it does not use the file for Search.
The practical verdict is simple: cheap, optional, and not a ranking factor. It should not take priority over a website that explains your services or a listing with accurate hours.
Accuracy is the maintenance task
An optional file still becomes another place where your business facts can go stale.
If you stop offering a service, change your phone number, or adjust your hours, review the file alongside your public pages. An outdated summary can give a tool that reads it the wrong information.
Keep it factual. A short, current file is more useful than a long one you forget exists.
What to do about it
- If you add one, keep it to a short summary and links to pages that already exist.
- Review it whenever your services, hours or phone number change.
- Do not expect a ranking benefit from it.
Questions
Does this replace the pages on my website?
No. The file summarizes the site and links to its useful pages. Those pages still need to explain your services clearly.
Will adding it improve my Google ranking?
Do not expect a ranking benefit. Google says it does not use llms.txt for Search, and the file is not a ranking factor.