How to Write Scannable Copy for the Web

February 8, 2008 by

I feel like I talk about how to write for the web all the time (and even wrote a long how-to back in August), but we could always use a refresher. Here are six quick tips for writing scannable copy:

  • Use an appropriate line length.
  • Break the text into many paragraphs.
  • Use headers and subheaders.
  • Lists and bullet points, please!
  • Use bold and italics typefaces (but not at the same time–that’s just stupid).
  • Images are your friends (but the image has to be real and relevant).

Church Copy Sucks
And these tips still apply to all things churchy, including sermons, event announcements, letters from the pastor, business meeting minutes, theological exhortations or whatever copy you have.

Basically, if you want people to read it, you need to make it easy to read.

Post By:

Kevin D. Hendricks


When Kevin isn't busy as the editor of Church Marketing Sucks, he runs his own writing and editing company, Monkey Outta Nowhere. Kevin has been blogging since 1998, runs the hyperlocal site West St. Paul Reader, and has published several books, including 137 Books in One Year: How to Fall in Love With Reading, The Stephanies and all of our church communication books.
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3 Responses to “How to Write Scannable Copy for the Web”

  • Joel Zehring
    February 10, 2008

    Good tips, Kevin. I’m new to the blog, and I really appreciate the mix of design and ministry. Our church has a ways to go.


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  • Clayton Bell
    February 10, 2008

    Great tips. Thanks so much!


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  • Rachel
    April 25, 2011

    My Senior Pastor’s list of blogs to read is getting longer.


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