BLUF is the acronym for Bottom Line Up Front, a method of placing conclusions at the beginning rather than the end. The alternative is BLAB (Bottom Line at Bottom); most managers hate this.
BLUF in SEO Writing
Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of optimizing online content so when users type a keyword on search engines like Google, the content will appear on the first page. For instance, if you type the word "men's sneakers," the most relevant choices will be displayed on top. Given the popularity of online marketing, it's imperative for businesses to use SEO strategies. A good ranking of websites on any search engine websites can guarantee high conversion rates.
SEO writing is an integral part of online marketing. It differs from other forms of writing since it contains keywords that will help in ranking the website. These keywords should appear naturally in the article. SEO writing is also more structured and may involve complicated instructions for better search engine visibility. When more people view the website, there's an excellent chance for the conversion rate to increase.
The BLUF model is relevant in SEO writing since it tells the readers what they want to know right away. While the primary goal of SEO writing is to rank higher in the search engines, the primary targets are still human readers. They need to grasp the information immediately. For instance, if it's a parenting article, the conclusion may be presented in the first paragraph. With the BLUF model, readers will feel the need to read until the end. It's beneficial in SEO writing since the goal is to make the readers go through the information until the end, and eventually heed the calls to action (CTAs). You can also use creative calls to action (CTAs) to point users toward the next step of partnering with your business.
BLUF writing in SEO doesn't mean there will be no conclusion towards the end of the article. The idea is to write a more succinct version on the starting paragraph.