What are some good betting guidelines for the beginning player?

Cool, a Steeler fan! Ive been a die hard Steeler fan for many many years. Man oh man are we hot!

Oh, back to the question. Theres one simple answer BET THE POT!!
For a more detailed answer you would need to post specific hands to see what people would do. When all else fails and you think you are ahead. BET THE POT.

This could be the only time I paraphrase Sklansky so take note:

It takes a better hand to call a bet than to make the bet.

A quick explanation would be in an unraised pot 4 handed it is more correct to bet middle pair on the flop than to call the bet with middle pair. Flush and straight draws side step this rule somewhat due to the implied odds of making the hand and also the rough pot odds at that point (its a cheap enough bet to call compared to how much is currently in the pot and the number of callers).