Looking for tips on starting an alliance

It's hard to start an alliance on one's own.  I suggest that you find at least one or two like-minded people to work with you.  It can be a good idea to think about what you want your alliance to be like -- how will it be different from other alliances and how will it be similar?  Are there models you wish to emulate?  You might also contact some leaders from established alliances and begin talking to them.  They can be valuable sources of input when you run into the snafus that everyone does when leading an alliance.