Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google’s Stance on the LLMS.txt File
Google expresses skepticism about the LLMS.txt file, comparing it to the outdated keywords meta tag. Gary Illyes highlights that such tags quickly lost their value in SEO. Despite this, some see no direct harm in using LLMS.txt, but Google remains unconvinced of its benefits.
Optimixed’s Overview: Understanding Google’s Perspective on LLMS.txt and Its SEO Impact
Google’s Comparison Between LLMS.txt and Keywords Meta Tag
Google, through spokesperson Gary Illyes, has publicly shared doubts about the usefulness of the LLMS.txt file. He draws a clear analogy to the 1990s keywords meta tag, which initially seemed promising but was quickly disregarded by search engines due to widespread manipulation and limited SEO value.
Community and Expert Reactions
- Gary Illyes acknowledged the parallel during a discussion on the Bluesky platform.
- He noted that while there might not be a direct downside to using LLMS.txt, its practical benefits remain questionable.
- The SEO community continues to debate the utility of LLMS.txt, but Google’s stance suggests caution.
Implications for SEO Strategy
SEO professionals should be wary of relying on LLMS.txt as a ranking or indexing tool, given Google’s historical experience with similar meta directives. Instead, focus remains on proven SEO techniques that align with Google’s evolving guidelines.
