A workflow in n8n is a series of connected steps that run automatically. Here is how to create your first one.
Understanding n8n Basics
- Workflow: a visual automation made of connected nodes
- Node: a single step or action (e.g., 'Send an email', 'Get data from Google Sheets')
- Trigger: the node that starts the workflow (e.g., a webhook, a schedule, an event)
- Execution: one run of your workflow
Creating a Simple Workflow — Example: Timed Email Notification
- Log in to your n8n instance.
- Click the + button or New Workflow.
- Click the + button in the canvas to add your first node.
- Search for Schedule Trigger and click it. This will trigger the workflow on a timer.
- Configure the schedule (e.g., every day at 8am).
- Click the + button on the Schedule Trigger node to add the next step.
- Search for Gmail (or Email) and select Send Email.
- Click Connect Credentials to link your Gmail account (follow the OAuth instructions).
- Fill in the To, Subject, and Message fields.
- Click Save at the top right.
- Click the Activate toggle to make the workflow live.
Key Trigger Types Available in n8n
- Webhook Trigger — starts when an external app sends a request to your n8n URL
- Schedule Trigger — runs at set times (e.g., every morning at 8am)
- Email Trigger (IMAP) — starts when a new email arrives in a mailbox
- HTTP Request — call any external API
- WhatsApp — integrate with WhatsApp via 360Dialog or Meta Cloud API
Popular Workflow Ideas for Nigerian Businesses
- WhatsApp message received → AI processes message → auto-reply via WhatsApp
- New order in WooCommerce → add to Google Sheets → send notification to WhatsApp
- New lead in GoHighLevel → send WhatsApp welcome message → create task
- Daily schedule → scrape website → email summary report
Tip: n8n has 400+ built-in integrations. Use the search bar when adding nodes to find any app or service you need.
