Course Outline
MODULE 1 Getting Started with n8n
Why Use n8n
- Defining what a workflow is
- Distinguishing between no-code and low-code automation
- Exploring zero-cost alternatives to Zapier and Make
- Advantages of local self-hosting
Practical Capabilities of n8n
- Email automation
- Data collection and cleaning
- Integrating applications like Google Sheets, CRM systems, and web apps
- Streamlining repetitive business tasks
Installation and Initial Setup
- Downloading n8n Desktop for Windows
- First launch
- Understanding where workflows are stored
- Overview of local credentials
Interface Overview
- The workflow editor
- Canvas and node structure
- Execution logs
- Manual versus scheduled execution
- Workflow version control
Practical Exercise – Creating Your First Workflow
Participants will build a workflow that:
- Uses a Manual Trigger node
- Modifies text using a Set node
- Displays results using Debug
Outcome: Participants will understand how nodes connect and execute processes.
MODULE 2 Core Nodes
Categories of Nodes
- Triggers
- Input and Output
- Editing and Transforming data
- Service integrations via API without coding
- File management
Essential Nodes to Master
- Manual Trigger
- Schedule Trigger
- HTTP Request (basic GET)
- Set
- IF logic
- Merge
- Move Binary Data
- Google Sheets
- Email (IMAP/Gmail)
- Webhooks (basic authentication only)
Practical Exercise – Automatic Email Account Checks
The workflow will include:
- Manual Trigger
- Gmail or IMAP node to fetch recent emails
- IF filter for specific keywords
- Set node to generate a mini-report
- Output to a file or email
Outcome: A simple yet useful automation.
MODULE 3 Google Sheets and Automations
Connecting to Google Sheets
- Creating local credentials
- Granting appropriate permissions
- Best practice: Using dedicated sheets for automation
Useful No-Code Operations
- Adding rows
- Reading rows
- Updating rows
- Performing lookups without formulas
Practical Exercise – Building a Minimal CRM
The workflow will include:
- Manual Trigger
- Creating a mock form using a Set node
- Writing data to Google Sheets
- Sending welcome emails
Outcome: A functional mini CRM.
MODULE 4 Automating Real-World Flows
Examples of No-Code Automations
- Generating daily reports
- Collecting data from URLs, RSS, or JSON
- Automated file backups
- Sending notifications via Telegram or Slack
- Monitoring changes on simple websites
Practical Exercise – Website Monitoring and Alerting
- Schedule Trigger
- HTTP Request
- IF node to detect changes
- Notifications via Telegram, SMS, or Email
Outcome: A practical monitoring system built without code.
MODULE 5 Error Handling, Security, and Best Practices
Error Handling
- Interpreting logs
- Understanding the Failed Node
- Retry options
- Configuring workflow fail behavior
Best Practices for Non-Technical Users
- Using meaningful node names
- Adding comments for clarity
- Duplicating workflows as backups
- Separating test and production credentials
- Exporting workflows as JSON
Practical Exercise – Stabilizing a Failing Workflow
Participants will enhance a failing workflow by implementing error handling and saving the corrected version.
MODULE 6 Final Project
Course Challenge
Construct a complete workflow that:
- Reads an RSS feed
- Extracts new content
- Appends it to Google Sheets
- Sends an email report
- Runs automatically using a Schedule Trigger
Objective
Demonstrate the ability to build a full end-to-end automation without code.
Conclusion
- Q&A session
- Roadmap for advanced topics: APIs, complex webhooks, and AI agents with n8n
- Best practices for non-technical users
- Strategies for deciding which processes to automate within a company
Requirements
• Fundamental computer literacy
• Familiarity with online tools such as email clients or spreadsheets
• No programming experience is necessary
Testimonials (1)
I liked the practical, hands‑on part of the training the most.
