I recommend joining an excellent Alliance that is active, since that is the most essential feature of them all. By joining one, you can help your alliance mates build faster and they will help you. Once you start in the game, you will be "required" to join a random alliance which may most likely even go extinct within a day or more. Well, after the game has actually done its thing, look and leave to upgrade your city as much as possible by yourself. Start looking for a larger alliance once you have actually reached at least level five Castle and have actually made some good upgrades around the city. The variety of members is essential, because the more people are active, the more help you will get. In conclusion, take your time and if you're in for the long haul, then make sure you find a steady, reputable and active alliance since it is absolutely worth it.