Mark Williams-CookDirector, Candour · SEO and AI expert

Google confirms GEO/AEO myths in official documentation: What you have been told is likely wrong.

16 May 2026 · 1 min

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In this brief commentary, the speaker highlights three key clarifications from Google's newly released guide on generative AI optimization. First, files such as llms.txt and markdown are not required and have no effect on a page's visibility in generative AI search. Second, aggressive chunking of content is unnecessary; creators should rely on natural paragraph breaks, adjusting length based on user context. Third, structured data is not a mandatory or guaranteed method to appear in AI search, though it can still improve rich results and overall SEO. The speaker emphasizes that these points can be cited directly from Google's documentation when countering contrary advice.

Chapters

Yesterday Google dropped its guide for generative AI optimization, but the most interesting thing was the myths they confirmed for us. 1, llms.txt and markdown files don't do anything. They're not required to appear in generative AI search. 2, chunking is not necessary. You can break your content up in natural paragraphs, sometimes short, sometimes long, depending on the context for the user. 3, don't over-rely on structured data. It's not a magic key to appearing in AI search. It's not required. It can help you with Google rich results and more generally with your SEO. These things, if you hear people telling them to you, you can now refer to Google's documentation.