Back to Blog
AutomationJanuary 3, 2026• 10 min read

Getting Started with n8n: Workflow Automation

Rohit Kumar
Rohit Kumar
React, WordPress & Automation Expert

If you're spending hours on repetitive tasks, you're doing it wrong. Automation is the key to being more productive, and n8n is one of the best tools I've found for it. Let me show you how to get started with workflow automation.

What is n8n?

n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is an open-source workflow automation tool. Think of it like Zapier or IFTTT, but way more powerful and you can self-host it for free.

With n8n, you can:

The best part? n8n is open-source. You can run it on your own server with no usage limits or monthly fees. If you have a VPS, check out my VPS Setup Guide to get started.

Why n8n Over Other Tools?

I've tried Zapier, Make (Integromat), and others. Here's why I prefer n8n:

Installing n8n

There are several ways to run n8n:

Option 1: n8n Cloud (Easiest)

Just sign up at n8n.cloud. They offer a free tier that's perfect for getting started. No setup required.

Option 2: npm (For Testing)

# Install globally with npm
npm install n8n -g

# Start n8n
n8n start

Open http://localhost:5678 in your browser.

Option 3: Docker (For Production)

# Run n8n with Docker
docker run -it --rm \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

For a production setup with Docker, you'll want to add a database, SSL, and proper configuration. Check the official hosting docs for details.

Understanding n8n Concepts

Before building workflows, let's understand the key concepts:

Workflows

A workflow is a series of connected nodes that perform tasks. Each workflow starts with a trigger and can have multiple branches.

Nodes

Nodes are the building blocks of workflows. Each node performs a specific action:

Connections

Lines between nodes that pass data from one to the next. Data flows through your workflow following these connections.

Your First Workflow

Let's build a simple workflow that sends you a daily summary email.

Step 1: Create a New Workflow

Click "Add Workflow" in n8n. You'll see a blank canvas with a "+" button.

Step 2: Add a Schedule Trigger

Click the "+" and search for "Schedule Trigger". Configure it to run daily at your preferred time:

{
  "rule": {
    "interval": [{"field": "hours", "value": 9}]
  }
}

This triggers the workflow every day at 9 AM.

Step 3: Add an HTTP Request Node

Let's fetch some data. Add an "HTTP Request" node to get a random quote:

URL: https://api.quotable.io/random
Method: GET

Step 4: Add an Email Node

Connect an email node (Gmail, SMTP, or SendGrid) to send the quote:

To: [email protected]
Subject: Your Daily Quote
Body: "{{ $json.content }}" - {{ $json.author }}

Step 5: Activate Your Workflow

Toggle the "Active" switch in the top right. Your workflow is now running!

Common Workflow Ideas

Here are some workflows I use regularly:

Lead Notification

When someone fills out a form on my website:

  1. Webhook receives form data
  2. Save lead to Google Sheets
  3. Send me a Slack notification
  4. Add to email marketing list

Content Backup

Automatically backup content:

  1. Schedule trigger (weekly)
  2. Fetch data from CMS/database
  3. Convert to JSON
  4. Upload to Google Drive or S3

Social Media Automation

Repurpose content across platforms:

  1. RSS feed trigger (new blog post)
  2. Format content for each platform
  3. Post to Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
  4. Log results to spreadsheet

Invoice Processing

Handle invoices automatically:

  1. Email trigger (new invoice received)
  2. Extract data with AI
  3. Create record in accounting software
  4. Notify finance team

Tips for Building Better Workflows

1. Start Simple

Build workflows one node at a time. Test each step before adding more complexity.

2. Use the Code Node

When built-in nodes aren't enough, the Code node lets you write JavaScript:

// Transform data however you need
const items = $input.all()
const transformed = items.map(item => ({
  fullName: `${item.json.firstName} ${item.json.lastName}`,
  email: item.json.email.toLowerCase()
}))
return transformed

3. Handle Errors

Add error handling to prevent workflow failures from breaking everything. Use the "Error Trigger" node to catch and handle errors gracefully.

4. Use Environment Variables

Don't hardcode API keys or passwords. Use n8n's credentials system or environment variables.

5. Document Your Workflows

Add sticky notes to explain complex logic. Future you will thank present you.

Useful n8n Nodes

These are the nodes I use most often:

Integrations I Use Regularly

n8n has built-in nodes for:

Self-Hosting vs Cloud

Should you self-host n8n or use n8n.cloud?

Self-host if:

Use n8n.cloud if:

Final Thoughts

Automation has saved me countless hours. Tasks that used to take 30 minutes a day now run automatically in the background. Start with one simple workflow, see the time savings, and you'll be hooked.

n8n is incredibly powerful once you learn it. The visual interface makes it accessible even if you're not a developer, but if you can code, the possibilities are endless.

What repetitive task annoys you the most? That's probably a good candidate for your first automation. Start small, iterate, and watch your productivity soar!

Tags:n8nAutomationWorkflows
Share this article: