10 Common llms.txt Mistakes to Avoid
10 Common llms.txt Mistakes to Avoid
Implementing an llms.txt file seems straightforward, but many website owners make critical mistakes that can undermine their AI training data policies.
1. Incorrect File Placement
❌ The Mistake:
Placing the llms.txt file in the wrong location on your server.
✅ The Fix:
Always place your llms.txt file in the root directory: https://yoursite.com/llms.txt
2. Overly Restrictive Policies
❌ The Mistake:
Blocking all AI access without considering the benefits.
✅ The Fix:
Be strategic about what you allow and disallow.
3. Not Testing Implementation
❌ The Mistake:
Publishing an llms.txt file without testing it first.
✅ The Fix:
Always test your implementation and validate syntax.
4. Missing User-Agent Specifications
❌ The Mistake:
Not specifying which AI systems your policies apply to.
✅ The Fix:
Always specify user agents:
User-agent: *
Allow: /content/
Disallow: /private/
User-agent: GPTBot
Allow: /educational/
Crawl-delay: 2
5. Ignoring Crawl Delays
❌ The Mistake:
Not setting appropriate crawl delays, leading to server overload.
✅ The Fix:
Set reasonable crawl delays to prevent server performance issues.
Best Practices Summary
Do:
✅ Place llms.txt in your root directory
✅ Use clear, specific directives
✅ Include appropriate crawl delays
✅ Test thoroughly before publishing
✅ Review and update regularly
Don't:
❌ Block everything without consideration
❌ Create conflicting directives
❌ Skip testing and validation
❌ Set and forget your policies
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your llms.txt file effectively communicates your AI training data policies.
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*Need help avoiding these mistakes? Use our llms.txt validator to check your implementation.*