Google revised its advice on AI SEO to be more flexible, acknowledging the importance of optimizing for AI search surfaces beyond Google’s.
Guidance on LLMs.
Google initially advised that there was no need for special markup like LLMs.txt to achieve ranking in generative AI search, a statement that was likely too general and applied to all generative AI search platforms, not just Google’s.
The updated instructions clarify that special markup is not required for website optimization specifically for “Google Search (including its generative AI capabilities).”
Google approves the use of special markups.
The updated guidance no longer advises against using LLMs.txt and other tactics like markdown for LLMs, stating that Google does not use them but allowing people to use them if they wish.
The revised advice now states:
Creating and managing LLMS.txt files for other services or systems will not impact your visibility or rankings in Google Search, as Google Search does not take them into consideration.
Guidance remains consistent yet enhanced.
Google’s revised Search Central web page focuses on enhancing websites for “generative AI features on Google Search.” Although there were no technical issues with the previous version, this update serves as an enhancement to prevent misinterpretation caused by reading and quoting sections out of context.
Google’s changelog indicates:
Added a note to the AI optimization guide to provide clarification on Google Search’s use of llms.txt files.
To answer community inquiries and emphasize that keeping these files for other services is acceptable, even though they are not required for Google Search and do not affect visibility or rankings.
Featured Image by Shutterstock contributor Koshiro K
