What are llms.txt and llms-full.txt, and what are their differences? 

Large language models (LLMs) process data relying on more website information. However, pages in HTML format containing ads or JavaScript prevent information from being processed correctly by language models. 

Therefore, to provide LLM-friendly content, it is recommended to add an /llms.txt markdown file to websites. This file provides brief background information, guidance, and links to detailed markdown files.

llms.txt markdown is human and LLM-readable, but it is also in a precise format allowing for fixed processing methods (such as parsers and regex, classic programming techniques).

Additionally, pages on websites with information that may be useful for LLMs should have the same URL as the original page but with a .md extension and use a clean markdown version to ensure the information is correctly utilized.

What Should Be in llms.txt?

Generally, in llms.txt, you can provide links to pages you think contain useful information, the page title, description, and URL.

For example: 

# Title

> Optional description goes here

Optional details go here

## Section name

- [Link title](https://link_url): Optional link details

## Optional

- [Link title](https://link_url)

Live Example:

## Bursa Web Design

- [Bursa Web Design - Professional and SEO Compatible Website | Ajans Bulut](https://ajansbulut.com/bursa-web-tasarim): Get professional, mobile-friendly, and SEO-friendly websites with Ajans Bulut, offering creative solutions for your Bursa web design needs. We design SEO-friendly, modern, and mobile-responsive websites!

This structure can be written in this way. This way, correct targeting is achieved.

llms.txt files' versatility means they can serve many purposes, from helping developers find their way in software documentation, providing a way for businesses to outline their structures, to breaking down complex regulations for stakeholders. They are equally useful for personal websites that can help answer questions about one's resume, e-commerce sites to explain products and policies, or schools and universities to provide quick access to course information and resources.

Why Should the Format Be Markdown?

Currently, Markdown is the most common and easily understood format for language models. Showing where important Markdown files can be found is a great first step. Providing a basic structure helps a language model find where the information it needs can come from.

The use of Markdown to structure information in llms.txt files is unusual compared to classic structured formats like XML. This is because we expect these files to be read by language models and tools. However, the information in llms.txt follows a specific format and can be read using standard program-based tools.

The feature of llms.txt files to structure information using Markdown instead of classic structured formats like XML is unique. This is because these files are expected to be read by language models and tools. However, the information in llms.txt follows a specific format and can be read using standard program-based tools.

What is llms-full.txt?

llms-full.txt is a markdown-formatted text containing raw information where you can add photos, titles, content, code structures, and description text. Simply add information here to be recognized by LLMs.

What are the Differences Between llms-full.txt and llms.txt?

llms.txt generally provides guidance on URLs, site titles, and summaries. On the other hand, llms-full.txt allows for a broader scope and placement of all detailed information, making it easier for LLMs to acquire information.

Is llms.txt Important for SEO and GEO / Benefits Provided?

Protection of proprietary content: Prevents unauthorized use of original content by AI, but only for LLMs that choose to comply with guidelines. Brand Reputation Management: Theoretically provides some control to businesses on how their information appears in AI-generated responses.

Linguistic and content analysis: With a fully flattened version of your site easily consumable by AI, you can perform any analysis that usually requires an independent tool. Keyword frequency, taxonomy analysis, entity analysis, links, competitive analysis, etc.

Enhanced AI interaction: llms.txt helps LLMs interact more effectively with your website and ensures they receive accurate and relevant information. There is no need for a standard for this option; you just need a nice, clean, flattened file of all your content.

Enhanced content visibility: By directing AI systems to focus on specific content, llms.txt theoretically can "optimize" your website for AI indexing and potentially improve visibility in AI-powered search results. Like SEO, there are no guarantees. However, initially, any preference of an LLM towards llms.txt is a step forward.

Better AI performance: The file enables LLMs to access the most valuable content on your site, leading to more accurate AI responses when users interact with tools like chatbots or AI-powered search engines. I use the "full" presentation of llms.txt and personally find summaries or URL lists more useful than robots.txt or an XML sitemap.

Competitive advantage: As AI technologies continue to evolve, having an llms.txt file can make your website more AI-ready, providing a competitive advantage.

Will llms.txt be standardized?

Although it has a long way to go as a new structure, its progress and status will be determined in the future.

Finally :)

If you hear more SEO/GEO practitioners talking about llms.txt as a fundamental element for site optimization along with robots.txt, XML sitemaps, schema, IndexNow, and others in the near future, don't be surprised.