Tips on how to pick a typeface? Research further into the history of typography and current usage.

Generally there are 'safe' options for instance, in my opinion, you can rarely go wrong with Helvetica.

It is probably more about the actual setting of the type - sizes, line spacing, layout and so on. I would suggest focusing on and practicing with that more than focusing on actual typefaces.

Read more design-y blogs/magazines such as Brand New and Creative Review than just web orientated blogs such as the one linked here.