Blog - Automate Your Workflow: A Beginner’s Guide to n8n

What is n8n?

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to connect apps and automate tasks without writing full-fledged code. Think of it as an open-source alternative to Zapier or Make (formerly Integromat), but with greater flexibility and the ability to self-host.

With n8n, you create workflows using a visual interface where each “node” represents an app or action. It supports hundreds of integrations, from databases and CRMs to Google Workspace, Slack, and even custom APIs.

Why Use n8n?

• Open Source: You can host it yourself with full control over your data.
• Flexible: Build complex conditional workflows that would be difficult or expensive on Zapier.
• Developer Friendly: Offers custom JavaScript functions and HTTP requests for deeper integrations.
• Cost-Effective: Free to self-host or use their cloud with generous limits.

Getting Started with n8n

Here’s how you can set up n8n locally and build your first workflow.

Step 1: Install n8n

You can run n8n using Docker, npm, or directly from the desktop app.

bashCopyEditnpx n8n

This will start a local server at http://localhost:5678 where you can access the UI.

Step 2: Create Your First Workflow

Let’s say you want to automatically send an email every time a new row is added to a Google Sheet.

1. Add a Google Sheets node
   • Set it to trigger when a new row is added.
2. Add a Gmail or SMTP Email node
   • Configure it to send an email with data from the sheet.
3. Connect the nodes and hit Execute Workflow to test.

Real-Life Example: Auto-Send Emails from a Form

You can use n8n to connect a contact form (e.g., from your website) to:

• Store data in Google Sheets or Airtable
• Send a Slack message to your team
• Email a confirmation to the user

This can all be done with a few nodes — no backend needed.

Bonus: Hosting n8n on VPS

If you’re a developer or agency owner, consider hosting n8n on a VPS like DigitalOcean or Hostinger.

Steps:

• Use Docker Compose for production
• Secure with HTTPS using Nginx + Let’s Encrypt
• Set up a custom domain like automate.yoursite.com

Final Thoughts

n8n is a game-changer for automating tedious tasks, especially if you're building internal tools, MVPs, or client workflows. It's powerful enough for developers and simple enough for non-tech folks with a bit of training.

Start small — even automating a single repetitive task can save hours each month.