Google’s John Mueller recently addressed a concern about LLMS.txt files and their potential to be seen as duplicate content in Google’s index. While the LLMS.txt format is not intended for traditional SEO purposes, it still raises questions about how search engines might handle this content. Specifically, some webmasters are wondering if it makes sense to use a noindex header for LLMS.txt files. In this blog post, we’ll explore the LLMS.txt proposal, why it might cause duplicate content concerns, and how Google’s noindex header can help prevent these issues.

What is LLMS.txt?

LLMS.txt is a proposed new content standard that allows websites to provide a simplified, Markdown-formatted version of their main content. This format is intended specifically for large language models (LLMs) to easily extract relevant content without being distracted by non-essential elements like ads, navigation menus, and sidebars. The LLMS.txt file would reside at the root level of the website (for example, example.com/llms.txt), offering a streamlined and curated version of a webpage’s core content.

Unlike robots.txt, which is used to control how search engines interact with a site, the purpose of LLMS.txt is to serve large language models with clear, focused data. While this format aims to help AI models better understand and process web content, it does not serve as a control for search engine crawlers in the same way.

Can Google View LLMS.txt as Duplicate Content?

A question was recently raised on Bluesky regarding whether Google might view LLMS.txt as duplicate content if it happens to match a webpage’s HTML version. This is a valid concern since there could be instances where external sites link to the LLMS.txt version of a page rather than the standard HTML content. If this happens, there is a possibility that Google could index the LLMS.txt file, potentially resulting in duplicate content issues.

Google’s John Mueller addressed this concern by explaining that LLMS.txt files would not inherently be seen as duplicate content unless the content inside the file mirrors the HTML page. In such cases, it wouldn’t make much sense to treat it as duplicate content, especially given the file’s specialized use case. However, the potential for LLMS.txt to be linked externally, leading Google to index the file, still exists.

Why Use the Noindex Header for LLMS.txt?

While LLMS.txt is not automatically considered duplicate content, it could end up being indexed by Google if linked externally. To prevent this, using a noindex header for the LLMS.txt file could be a good practice.

John Mueller himself suggested that although the file’s purpose is not for traditional web use, it might be best to prevent it from appearing in Google’s search results. This is because if the LLMS.txt content is indexed, it could appear in search results, which would not be ideal for user experience. Therefore, using a noindex directive would stop Google from including the file in its index, even if it’s accessible via a link.

What is a Noindex Header?

A noindex header is an instruction that tells Google and other search engines not to include a page in their search index. By adding a noindex tag to a file like LLMS.txt, you ensure that Googlebot crawls the content but doesn’t display it in search results.

While robots.txt could be used to prevent Google from crawling the LLMS.txt file altogether, this is not the best solution. If Google cannot crawl the file, it won’t be able to see the noindex directive. The most effective method is to use the noindex header, which allows Google to crawl the file but ensures it is excluded from the index.

Google’s Advice on LLMS.txt and Noindex

In John Mueller’s response, he clarified that using noindex for LLMS.txt could be beneficial for preventing Google from indexing this specialized file. The key points to keep in mind are:

• LLMS.txt is not inherently duplicate content.
• Google could index LLMS.txt if it’s linked externally, even if the content is the same as the HTML page.
• Using a noindex header ensures the file is not included in search results, even if Google crawls it.
• Robots.txt is not necessary to block Google from indexing; a noindex header will suffice.

By following this advice, webmasters can avoid potential issues with duplicate content and ensure that the LLMS.txt file serves its intended purpose without interfering with search engine rankings.

Conclusion

As the LLMS.txt proposal continues to evolve, it’s important for website owners to understand how Google might interact with this new content format. While the LLMS.txt file is unlikely to cause duplicate content problems on its own, it’s still wise to take steps to prevent it from being indexed by Google. Using a noindex header for the LLMS.txt file is an effective way to ensure that this specialized content is not accidentally surfaced in search results. By following Google’s recommendations and understanding how these tools work, you can avoid potential issues and ensure that your website’s main content remains the focus for both AI models and search engines.

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