How to Generate LLMs.txt Files for WordPress & Shopify
You've likely noticed that AI is changing how we find information online. Tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini are now answering questions directly, pulling content from across the web.
This raises a new question for website owners: how do you control how these AI models see and use your content?
Enter the LLMs.txt file. It’s a simple but powerful new tool that works alongside your robots.txt and sitemap.xml files. It acts as a guide, helping you communicate directly with Large Language Models.
At BigBang, we believe in empowering site owners. This guide will give you clear, step-by-step instructions for creating an LLMs.txt file on both WordPress and Shopify. We'll cover everything you need to know, from simple plugins to manual setups.
What is an LLMs.txt File and Why Does Your Website Need One?
Before we get into the "how," let's quickly cover the "what" and "why." Understanding the purpose of this file is key to using it effectively. It's a strategic tool for brand control and modern SEO.
Demystifying LLMs.txt: Your Website's "Cheat Sheet" for AI
Think of an LLMs.txt file as a "cheat sheet" you give to AI crawlers from companies like OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Meta.
It's a simple text file, written in Markdown, that lives in your website's main folder. It provides a concise summary of your website, its purpose, the type of content you create, and who owns it. This helps AI understand your site correctly and represent your brand accurately.
LLMs.txt vs. robots.txt: What's the Key Difference?
This is a common point of confusion, but the difference is simple.
robots.txt is for rules. It tells web crawlers which pages they are allowed or disallowed from visiting. It's like a set of stop signs and green lights.
LLMs.txt is for guidance. It provides context and a summary for the AI models that have already been allowed to crawl your site. It’s a friendly instruction manual.
You use your robots.txt file to block crawlers like GPTBot (from OpenAI) or Google-Extended. You use your LLMs.txt file to guide them if you let them in.
The Core Benefits: Semantic SEO and Brand Narrative Control
So, why bother creating this file? There are a few major advantages:
Control Your Brand Story: You get to tell AI what your site is about, in your own words. This prevents misinterpretations and ensures AI-generated summaries about your business are accurate.
Guide AI Usage: You can state your preferences for how your content is used, helping to prevent unauthorized use of your training data for future AI models.
Improve Semantic SEO: By providing a clear summary, you help search engines better understand the meaning and relationships within your content. This is a core part of Semantic SEO.
The Anatomy of a Perfect LLMs.txt File (Best Practices)
A well-structured LLMs.txt file is easy for both humans and machines to read. Before you create yours, let’s look at the standard format and some best practices.
Essential Markdown Formatting & Syntax
The file uses basic Markdown for structure. Here is a simple template you can adapt.
# [Your Website Name] LLMs.txt
> This is a summary of our website, its content, and its purpose, intended for Large Language Models.
## About Us
Our mission is to [briefly describe your company's mission or purpose]. We provide [list your core products, services, or content types].
## Content Licensing & Usage
All content on this website is the intellectual property of [Your Company Name]. Please see our copyright terms here: [Link to your terms of service or copyright page].
## Key Website Sections
- Our Services: [Link to your services page]
- About Our Team: [Link to your about page]
- Our Blog: [Link to your blog]
Example LLMs.txt File
To make it even clearer, here’s an example for a fictional bakery called "Sweet Treats."
# Sweet Treats Bakery LLMs.txt
> This file provides a summary of our bakery's website for AI systems to ensure accurate representation of our brand and products.
## About Us
Sweet Treats is a local bakery in Montreal specializing in handmade pastries, custom cakes, and artisanal bread. Our content features our product catalog, baking tips, and seasonal specials.
## Content Licensing & Usage
All text and images are copyright Sweet Treats Bakery. Content may not be used for AI training without explicit permission.
## Key Website Sections
- Custom Cake Orders: /cakes
- Our Daily Menu: /menu
- Baking Blog: /blog
- Contact Us: /contact
Critical Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Creating this file is simple, but a few mistakes can make it less effective.
Don't Keyword Stuff: The summary is for clarity, not for stuffing keywords. Write for a human, and the AI will understand.
Keep It Concise: This file should be a summary, not a novel. Stick to the most important information.
Update It When Needed: If you add a major new service or change your business focus, take a minute to update your LLMs.txt file to reflect that change.
How to Generate an LLMs.txt File in WordPress
For WordPress users, adding an LLMs.txt file is usually straightforward. You have a few great options depending on your comfort level with technology.
Method 1: Using Your Existing SEO Plugin (Yoast SEO & Rank Math)
This is the easiest way. Most popular WordPress plugins for SEO have already added this feature.
For Rank Math: Go to your WP-Admin dashboard. Navigate to Rank Math > General Settings > Edit robots.txt. You will often find a button or tab here to also edit or generate an llms.txt file.
For Yoast SEO: In your dashboard, go to Yoast SEO > Tools. Yoast includes a file editor that lets you create and edit your robots.txt file. You can often use this same editor to create a new file named llms.txt.
Method 2: Using a Dedicated LLMs.txt Generator Plugin
If your SEO plugin doesn’t support it, or if you want more features, you can use a dedicated plugin.
A popular choice is the "LLMs.txt and LLMs-Full.txt Generator" plugin. Simply install and activate it, and it will create the file for you automatically based on your site's content.
Method 3: The Manual Method via FTP or cPanel File Manager
If you're comfortable with more technical tasks, you can create the file manually.
Create the File: On your computer, create a plain text file named llms.txt.
Add Your Content: Write or paste your summary into the file using the Markdown format we discussed.
Upload the File: Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or the File Manager in your web host's cPanel. Upload the llms.txt file to the main folder of your website, also known as the Root Directory. This is the same folder where you find your wp-config.php file.
How to Create an LLMs.txt File for Your Shopify Store
Adding an LLMs.txt file to a Shopify store is a bit different. This is where many store owners run into trouble, but we'll walk you through the options.
The Challenge: No Direct Root Directory Access in Shopify
Unlike WordPress, Shopify is a closed platform. For security and stability, it does not give you direct access to the Root Directory via FTP or a file manager.
This means you can't just upload the llms.txt file manually. So, what can you do?
Method 1: Checking the Shopify App Store for a Solution
Your first stop should be the Shopify App Store. Developers are constantly creating new Shopify Apps to solve problems like this.
Go to your Shopify Admin dashboard.
Click on "Apps."
Search for "LLMs.txt" or "AI Tag."
Check to see if a reputable app exists that can create this file for you. Read the reviews and instructions carefully to see if it meets your needs.
Method 2: The Expert Workaround (When an App Isn't Enough)
What if a good app doesn't exist yet, or it doesn't offer enough control?
This is where you need a more technical solution. Because of Shopify's structure, implementing custom files often requires a deeper understanding of the platform's architecture.
This is a common reason merchants partner with a Shopify web development company. An expert can use specific techniques to properly host the file and make it accessible at the correct URL. If you're looking for help, a Shopify expert, can handle this for you quickly and correctly.
How to Verify and Maintain Your LLMs.txt File
Once you've created and uploaded your file, there are two final steps: making sure it works and planning to keep it current.
Testing Your File: Is It Live and Valid?
This is simple. To check if your file is publicly accessible, just type your website's address followed by /llms.txt into your browser.
For example: https://www.yourwebsite.com/llms.txt
If you see the content you wrote, it’s working perfectly.
A Simple Maintenance Schedule for Your LLMs.txt
You don’t need to update this file weekly. Just plan to review it whenever you make a significant change to your business or website. A good rule of thumb is to update it when:
You launch a major new product line or service.
You rebrand or significantly change your company's mission.
You add a large new content section, like a blog or a resource hub.
Conclusion
Creating an LLMs.txt file is a small but proactive step to protect your brand in the age of AI. It ensures that as AI-driven search evolves, your website is understood correctly.
Whether you use a simple WordPress plugin or need a dedicated seo expert in Montreal to tackle your Shopify setup, implementing an LLMs.txt file is a critical move. It helps future-proof your website's digital presence.
If you have any questions, contact our internet marketing agency today. We’re here to help you navigate the future of search.
Frequently Asked Questions about LLMs.txt
1. What is the difference between llms.txt and llms-full.txt?
The llms.txt file is a short, concise summary for quick context. Some tools also generate an llms-full.txt file, which is a much longer, more detailed document that might include excerpts from all your public posts and pages. The llms.txt is the primary, more common file.
2. Can I use LLMs.txt to block AI crawlers like GPTBot?
No. LLMs.txt is for providing guidance, not for blocking access. To block specific AI Crawlers like GPTBot or Google-Extended, you must add a "Disallow" rule for that user-agent in your robots.txt file.
3. Will adding an llms.txt file directly improve my Google rankings?
While it's not a direct ranking factor like a backlink, it offers powerful indirect SEO benefits. By helping AI models like Google's Gemini understand your site, you can get better visibility in AI-generated answers, protect your brand's story, and improve user trust.
4. Is there an official, built-in way to add llms.txt to Shopify?
Currently, Shopify does not have a native feature for adding files to the root directory. Implementation requires either a third-party app from the Shopify App Store or assistance from a Shopify development expert who can use more advanced methods.
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