Goto full web page.

Service Providers - Do you have Access & Control

robots.txt, llms.txt, manifest.json, sitemap.xml, service-workers.js Do you have Access to effective AI marketing?


PrintingREADY.com/hosting [Web Hosting Provider]

Why You Need Access to Root Domain Files

When we talk about "root domain files," we're referring to key files like robots.txt, sitemap.xml, llms.txt, and sometimes even .htaccess-all hanging out at the top level of your site (your root domain).


These files act like command centers for both search engine crawlers and AI-powered bots:
  • robots.txt tells search engine crawlers which parts of your site to crawl-or avoid. It manages crawl efficiency and helps protect sensitive or low-value pages-vital for SEO and overall performance.
  • sitemap.xml is your site's roadmap. It lists pages you want crawled and gives crawlers metadata like when pages were last updated and how important they are. Crucial for large or poorly linked sites.
  • llms.txt is the new kid on the block-think of it as a curated treasure map for AI language models. It tells AIs what content you want them to ingest and potentially cite during inference. Not crawling-it's inference-time guidance.
  • .htaccess (for Apache servers) lets you control access, redirect URLs, set up HTTPS, manage caching, block bad bots, customize error pages, and fine-tune performance-right from your root or directory level.

    • Having proper access to these files means you're not shooting in the dark-you're controlling when and how bots (human or AI) see your site, helping boost site performance and discoverability.
    Provider Root Folder Access Access Method Standard Service File Management Capabilities Notes
    TheProfessor PrintingREADY Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    A2Hosting Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    Bluehost Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    Ghost Limited Admin Panel Limited robots.txt editing limited root access Blogging platform - theme-based access
    Godaddy Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    Hostgator Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    InMotion Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    Namecheap Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    Shopify Limited Theme Editor Limited robots.txt liquid via theme files, limited manifest support E-commerce platform - theme-based file access only
    SiteGround Yes cPanel + FTP Standard Full access to robots.txt, manifest, sitemap, service workers Traditional web-hosting with complete file system access
    Squarespace No Dashboard Only Not Available Very limited - some SEO settings only Website builder - no direct file access
    Webflow Limited Designer + Dashboard Limited custom robots.txt manifest support limited service workers Website builder with better tech capabilities
    Weebly Limited Dashboard Only Limited Basic robots.txt editing. limited other file access Website builder - minimal root access
    Wix Limited Dashboard Only Limited robots.txt via SEO tools, no manifest/service worker support Website builder - very limited root access, no FTP
    WordPress.com Limited Dashboard Only Limited robots.txt via SEO settings, limited file access (Business+plans) Hosted platform - varies by plan level
    Provider Root Folder Access Access Method Standard Service File Management Capabilities Notes