• Say what needs to be said and only that.
• Explain in detail what you must.
• Provide links with a simple explanation.
• Use white space to aid in comprehension of material.

Say what needs to be said and only that. A good exercise in preparing to write the verbiage for your website is to sum up each web page with one word, or at most a short phrase. Since a web page is not a textbook, information needs to be presented first in a concise overview. Remember the reference to the definition of "surfing" (skimming the surface). People use the web for research but the dynamic is different than sitting down with a textbook and a highlighter.

More on concise writing tools:
What's the main idea?
I need examples!
I'd like more in depth information on writing.

Explain in detail what you must. Obviously, some topics need more in depth explanation than others. Factual topics often require more information in order to better understand the subject. Subjective topics...well, that is up to the author. Leave room for the readers to decide for themselves. Let your words be a springboard for their own ideas and thoughts.

Provide links with a simple explanation. This topic was touched on in more detail in the previous section. If you are linking another page or site to your own words, let the link do its work by providing the information under discussion. A brief description from the author using the link is sometimes all that is necessary!

Use white space to aid in comprehension of material. Clutter breeds confusion and inhibits clear thinking. If you've ever been in a crowded airplane and felt the relief of expanded space after exiting the plane, it is the same with a page crammed with information as opposed to one that is simple and clearly defined.

Learn more about the use of white space in your web design:

Why white space is necessary.
Learn more about white space.
Incorporating white space with simplicity.