AI search fix
How to validate your llms.txt file
Check llms.txt by fetching https://yourdomain.com/llms.txt over HTTPS: expect 200, readable markdown, working links, and an Updated date matching your last deploy. Community validators can flag syntax issues, but none can prove ChatGPT or Perplexity will cite you. Pair file checks with robots.txt and WAF rules so AI crawlers can reach the URLs you list. Google does not require llms.txt for AI Overviews — validation confirms your optional briefing layer, not Search eligibility.
A valid llms.txt pointing at blocked pages adds little value. Run the same crawl checks you would for any GEO page before calling validation done. If GPTBot or PerplexityBot cannot fetch linked URLs, fix robots.txt and edge rules first.
llms.txt validation checklist
- Open /llms.txt in a browser — expect 200, not 404 or a login wall.
- Confirm H1, blockquote summary, and at least one linked section.
- Click sample links; fix broken paths or redirects to unrelated hosts.
- Compare the Updated line to your last content or pricing change.
- Re-check robots.txt and CDN rules if crawlers still cannot fetch listed URLs.
You'll get an HTML report on llms.txt presence, link reachability signals, and AI crawler blocks.
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