How AI Indexing Is Redefining Online Visibility for Dealerships

Car shoppers are increasingly turning to AI-powered LLMs (Large Language Models) like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to research their next purchase. Instead of scrolling through pages of search results, they’re asking AI direct questions and getting instant answers. With more than 200 million monthly active users (and counting!) on ChatGPT alone, the accuracy of how your dealership is represented by AI is essential.

How AI Crawlers Work (And How it Affects Dealership SEO)

Just like Google’s search bot crawls your website to index pages, AI crawlers scan your site to better understand your business. However, AI doesn’t see your carefully crafted homepage design.

Instead, it processes the site’s raw code to piece together what your dealership actually offers, such as current business hours, available services, and financing options. When this information is accurately cited, your business is more likely to be represented in AI search results.

Introducing llms.txt: A New Tool for AI Visibility

To address this challenge, a new standard is emerging: llms.txt files.

An llms.txt file:

• Lives in the root directory of your website
• Directs AI crawlers toward your most important, evergreen pages
• Filters out temporary or irrelevant content
• Gives you control over how AI represents your business

Think of an llms.txt file as a roadmap for AI. It’s a simple text file that sits on your website and tells AI crawlers, “Hey, these are the pages that matter most.” You can point it toward your evergreen content like your “About Us,” “Service,” or “Financing” pages, while steering it away from temporary promotions or pop-up banners that might confuse things

You can see a real example of how this works by viewing L2T’s llms.txt file here.

Why Dealerships Should Care

Getting this right means AI will accurately represent your business when shoppers ask questions. This means:

• Better accuracy: AI will cite correct hours, services, payment options, and more
• Stronger visibility: Your dealership is more likely to appear in AI-generated results
• Greater control: You decide which aspects of your business AI should prioritize

As more people rely on AI for shopping research, the dealerships that take proactive steps now will have a significant advantage.

Take Control of Your Dealership’s AI Visibility

When shoppers ask for AI recommendations, ensure your dealership is properly represented. Partner with L2T’s digital marketing team and technology today to future-proof your visibility.