Content Structure for LLMs

Why Structure Matters for AI

Large Language Models process content differently than human readers. While humans scan and adapt, AI systems benefit from clear, explicit structure that makes relationships and hierarchies obvious.

Well-structured content is more likely to be accurately understood, correctly quoted, and properly cited by AI systems.

Heading Hierarchy

Use headings to create a clear outline of your content. AI systems use heading structure to understand topic organization.

Best Practices

• One H1 per page: The main topic of the page
• Logical nesting: H2 for main sections, H3 for subsections
• Descriptive headings: Headings should summarize content below them
• Don't skip levels: Go H1 → H2 → H3, not H1 → H3

Example Structure

H1: Complete Guide to Coffee Brewing
  H2: Equipment Needed
    H3: Grinders
    H3: Brewing Devices
  H2: Brewing Methods
    H3: Pour Over
    H3: French Press
    H3: Espresso
  H2: Common Mistakes

Paragraph Structure

AI systems process content paragraph by paragraph. Structure paragraphs for optimal understanding.

One Idea Per Paragraph

Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or concept. This makes it easier for AI to extract and quote specific information.

Lead with Key Information

Put the most important information at the beginning of paragraphs. AI systems often extract the first sentence as a summary.

Keep Paragraphs Short

Shorter paragraphs (2-4 sentences) are easier to process and quote. Long paragraphs make it harder to extract specific facts.

Lists and Enumerations

Lists are highly effective for AI processing. They clearly delineate individual items and relationships.

When to Use Lists

• Features and benefits
• Steps in a process
• Requirements or criteria
• Comparisons between options
• Examples of a concept

List Best Practices

• Use bullet lists for unordered items
• Use numbered lists for sequences or rankings
• Keep list items parallel in structure
• Add brief context before the list

Tables for Comparisons

Tables effectively communicate structured data and comparisons. AI systems can extract and reference tabular data accurately.

• Use clear, descriptive headers
• Keep cell content concise
• Include a caption or introduction
• Use proper HTML table markup

Definitions and Explanations

Explicitly define terms and concepts. AI systems benefit from clear definitions.

Definition Patterns

Use consistent patterns for definitions:

• "X is Y that Z": "GEO is a practice that optimizes content for AI systems."
• Parenthetical: "RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) allows AI to access external data."
• Definition lists: Use <dl>, <dt>, <dd> for glossaries

Explicit Relationships

Make relationships between concepts explicit. Don't assume AI will infer connections.

Use Transition Words

• Cause: because, therefore, as a result
• Contrast: however, but, although, unlike
• Addition: also, furthermore, in addition
• Sequence: first, then, finally, before, after

State Comparisons Clearly

Instead of implied comparisons, make them explicit:

• Implicit: "Option A is faster. Option B is cheaper."
• Explicit: "Option A is faster than Option B, but Option B is more affordable."

Summary Sections

Include summary sections that distill key points. These are ideal for AI extraction.

• Executive summaries at the beginning
• Key takeaways sections
• TL;DR boxes for long content
• Conclusion sections that recap main points

Semantic HTML

Use semantic HTML elements to provide meaning:

• <article> for main content
• <section> for thematic groupings
• <aside> for related but tangential content
• <blockquote> for quotes
• <figure> with <figcaption> for images