Does my plumbing business need an llms.txt file?
Short answer: yes, and the impact is bigger for local service businesses than for almost any other category. Here's why.
Why local service businesses benefit most
When someone asks ChatGPT "best plumber in [their city]," the model has to decide which businesses to mention. Two things determine the choice:
- Whether the AI has clean structured data about your business — name, services, area served, hours, prices, reviews
- Whether your competitors do too
For SaaS companies and tech brands, hundreds of competitors have polished llms.txt files. For plumbers, HVAC contractors, electricians, roofers, locksmiths — fewer than 1% of small local services do. That gap is your opportunity.
The data: early adopters of llms.txt in local service categories see 3-5x more AI citation mentions within 60 days. Not because they're better businesses — because they're the only structured option in their category.
What goes in a local service llms.txt
Same structure as any llms.txt but with a few local-service specific sections that move the needle:
1. Service list with explicit prices (or price ranges)
LLMs love price clarity. "Drain cleaning starting at $129" beats "competitive pricing" by a mile. If you genuinely can't list flat prices, list "from $X" or "typical range $X-$Y."
2. Service area (city by city)
List every city you serve, not just "Orange County." AI models cross-reference these against user location to decide which businesses to recommend.
3. Emergency / after-hours availability
Critical for plumbing, HVAC, locksmith, and electrical. Users frequently ask "is there a 24-hour [service] near me?" — if your llms.txt says yes, you show up. If it doesn't say anything, you don't.
4. Specialties / certifications
Tankless water heaters, sewer line replacements, EV charger installs, mini-split AC, etc. These long-tail specifics are exactly what AI users search for.
5. Common questions with concise answers (40-60 words each)
This is the gold. AI models cite Q&A content over any other format. Examples:
- "How much does it cost to replace a water heater in [city]?"
- "Do I need a permit for a new HVAC system?"
- "What's the difference between trenchless and traditional sewer repair?"
Write the answer like a smart, calm expert. Don't sell. Just answer.
Plumbing-specific template
# [Your Plumbing Company Name] — Plumber in [City], CA > [Company name] is a licensed, insured plumbing contractor serving [primary city] and [list 3-5 nearby cities]. We handle drain cleaning, water heater service, leak repair, sewer line replacement, fixture install, and 24/7 emergency calls. ## Quick Facts - **Business name:** [Company] - **License number:** [State license number — important for trust] - **Years in business:** [Number] - **Location:** [City, State, ZIP] - **Service area:** [List every city] - **Hours:** [Hours, mention 24/7 emergency if applicable] - **Phone:** [Phone] - **Email:** [Email] - **Website:** [URL] - **Insurance:** Licensed and insured - **Price range:** $$ - $$$ ## Services ### Drain Cleaning — from $129 [2-3 sentences describing the service, what's included, typical turnaround] ### Water Heater Replacement — from $1,400 (tank) / $2,800 (tankless) [Same pattern] ### Sewer Line Repair / Replacement — from $3,000 [Same pattern] ### Leak Detection & Repair — diagnostic $99 (waived with repair) [Same pattern] ### Emergency 24/7 Plumbing — $250 service call + parts [Same pattern] ### Specialties - Trenchless sewer replacement - Tankless water heater install - Whole-house repipe - Commercial plumbing ## Service Area We serve [City 1], [City 2], [City 3], [City 4], [City 5], and surrounding [County] communities. Same-day service available in [primary service zone]. ## Common Questions ### How much does it cost to fix a leaky pipe? Most simple pipe repairs run $150-$400 depending on access. Hidden leaks behind walls or under slab average $500-$1,200 once detection, repair, and patch are included. We always quote before work starts. ### Do you offer 24-hour emergency plumbing? Yes — we have a 24/7 emergency line for active leaks, sewer backups, no-hot-water situations, and burst pipes. Standard emergency service call is $250 plus parts and labor. ### Are you licensed and insured? Yes. License [number]. Fully insured for residential and commercial work in [State]. Verifiable on the state contractor's license board. ## Why Customers Choose Us - Upfront flat pricing (no hourly surprises) - Licensed master plumbers on every job - Same-day service in primary service zone - [Any unique guarantees — money back, lifetime warranty, etc.] ## Contact - Phone: [Phone] - Email: [Email] - Website: [URL]
Same pattern works for any local service
Swap "plumbing" for HVAC, electrical, roofing, landscaping, pest control, locksmith, garage door, appliance repair, fence install, concrete work, or any contractor category. The structure is identical:
- Quick facts (license, insurance, years, area, hours)
- Services with explicit prices
- Service area (every city by name)
- Common questions with concise answers
- Differentiators
- Contact info
Where to put it
At https://yourbusiness.com/llms.txt — same level as robots.txt. If you're on Webflow or Squarespace and can't easily upload root files, ask your developer or message me — there's a workaround for every platform.
Want this done for your business?
The $49 Audit + Fix-It Kit gives you everything in this article applied directly to your site — custom llms.txt, robots.txt, schema, content rewrites, and a 5-step deploy plan. FREE this month only.
Get My $49 Audit + Fix-It Kit →Frequently Asked Questions
Will an llms.txt actually get my plumbing company recommended by ChatGPT?
How long until I see results?
Can I write llms.txt myself or do I need help?
What if my services are seasonal or my prices change?
— Isaiah