Large language models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, or Gemini have changed how people discover information. We no longer just type a query into Google and click the first result: we now ask in natural language and expect a synthesized answer. For businesses, this means your website must be ready to be understood, cited, and recommended by these artificial intelligences.
The good news is that the foundations of an LLM-ready website are the same as those of a well-optimized SEO site: clear content, semantic structure, and well-organized data. The difference is that this data now serves not only to rank on a search results page but to appear within the conversational answers that millions of people consult every day.
LLMs process your website's text to extract meaning. The clearer the hierarchy of information —headings, paragraphs, ordered lists— the easier it is for the model to understand what each section is about and when it's relevant to recommend you. Use proper HTML tags (H1, H2, H3 instead of just styled divs), keep paragraphs concise, and avoid hiding important content behind JavaScript that loads later. Models usually work with the HTML they receive on the first load.
Content should be direct and focused on answering real questions. If you sell a product, clearly explain what problem it solves and for whom. If you offer a service, describe the process and expected results. LLMs look for concrete answers; the more explicit you are, the more likely you are to be cited as a useful source.
Structured data (Schema.org, JSON-LD) helps LLMs interpret your content accurately. Information about your business, products, services, articles, or events in structured format makes it easier for the model to know what you are, what you offer, and how you fit the user's question. It's not magic: it's providing machine-readable context that complements the visible text.
Metadata such as page title and meta description remain important. Although LLMs don't "rank" the same way Google does, they use these fields to understand the topic of each URL and decide whether to include it in a response. Keep titles descriptive and descriptions that truly summarize the page content.
Models prioritize recent and credible information. Keeping your site updated, with clear dates on articles or news, builds trust. Avoid generic text filled by AI without oversight: models can detect repetitive patterns and dismiss sources that seem unreliable. Authenticity and consistency with what you actually do make the difference.
Preparing your site for LLMs doesn't require a complete reinvention. It's more of an evolution of the best practices you already apply: useful content, clear structure, and well-defined data. The goal is that when someone asks something related to your industry, your website is a source the model wants to recommend.
