diff --git a/readthedocs/doc_builder/base.py b/readthedocs/doc_builder/base.py
index c5051dc0f3f..ad83cbfc0b1 100644
--- a/readthedocs/doc_builder/base.py
+++ b/readthedocs/doc_builder/base.py
@@ -101,7 +101,8 @@ def create_index(self, extension='md', **__):
 
 This is an autogenerated index file.
 
-Please create a ``{dir}/index.{ext}`` or ``{dir}/README.{ext}`` file with your own content.
+Please create a ``index.{ext}`` or ``README.{ext}`` file with your own content
+under the root directory in your repository (or under ``/docs`` directory).
 
 If you want to use another markup, choose a different builder in your settings.
                 """