n8n: The Rise of the Open-Source Automation Powerhouse (And How You Can Profit From It)

Automation is no longer a luxury — it’s an expectation. From small startups to global enterprises, everyone wants workflows that run flawlessly, scale effortlessly, and don’t cost a fortune.

And sitting right at the center of this movement is n8n — an open-source workflow automation tool that has exploded in popularity.

In this deep-dive blog post, we’ll explore:

What n8n actually is
Why it’s booming in 2025
How it works (in simple language)
How to install and start using it
Real examples of what you can build
An advanced look at self-hosting vs cloud
How to make money using n8n
Pro-level tips to master automation with n8n

Let’s dig in.

What is n8n?

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is an open-source, extensible workflow automation platform.

Think of it like a more flexible, developer-friendly alternative to Zapier, Make.com, and Workato.

But what truly sets n8n apart is:

1. Open Source

You can host it yourself, modify it, write custom nodes, and integrate with anything.

2. Fair-Code License

The core is open and powerful, while paid tiers exist for enterprises.

3. 400+ Integrations and Infinite Custom APIs

Anything with an API can be automated.

4. Workflow Logic That Does More Than Zapier

You can add:

Conditions
Loops
Variables
Code blocks
Branching
Versioning
Data transformations

n8n is powerful enough for developers, yet simple enough for non-technical users once they understand flows.

Why n8n Is Booming Right Now

As we reach 2025, n8n’s surge in adoption isn’t accidental. It’s powered by several major trends:

1. Companies Want to Reduce Subscription Costs

Zapier, Make, Workato — all great tools, but incredibly expensive at scale.

n8n’s self-hosting option allows:

Unlimited workflows
Unlimited tasks
Unlimited users
At near-zero cost

Businesses are switching to n8n to cut automation expenses by 70–90%.

2. The No-Code Movement Has Matured

People now expect:

Drag-and-drop functionality
Visual workflow builders
Easy integrations

n8n delivers exactly that, while still appealing to developers.

3. AI + Automation Is Becoming the New Standard

With ChatGPT, Claude, and Llama everywhere, companies now want:

AI-powered workflows
Automated data extraction
Auto-reply systems
AI-driven customer support

n8n integrates AI APIs effortlessly.

4. The Rise of API-First Startups

Every modern SaaS product exposes an API.

n8n is the best tool to connect them without writing boilerplate code.

5. Community and Ecosystem Growth

Every single month:

New nodes
New tutorials
New templates
New community packages

The ecosystem is expanding fast — and that fuels adoption.

How n8n Works (Explained Clearly)

At its core, n8n lets you create workflows made up of nodes.

Nodes

A node is a block that performs an action, such as:

Fetch data from an API
Send an email
Write to a database
Transform data
Trigger another service
Run JavaScript

Nodes connect together to form a complete flow.

Workflow Execution

When a workflow is triggered:

Input → Data flows through each node → Transformations are applied → Output is generated

You can think of it like a digital production line.

Triggers

Workflows start based on triggers such as:

Webhook received
New email
New form submission
New row in Google Sheet
Cron schedule
API call
System event

Logic Control

n8n allows advanced logic:

IF/ELSE
Switch case
Merge
Loop
Code nodes
Function items
Error handling

This is where n8n becomes much more powerful than Make or Zapier.

How to Install n8n

You can use n8n Cloud, but anyone who wants power and flexibility should self-host.

Here are the recommended installation methods:

1. Install n8n using Docker (BEST & EASIEST)


docker run -it --rm \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

That’s it — open your browser:


http://localhost:5678

2. Install n8n using npm


npm install n8n -g
n8n start

Works well for local development.

3. Install on a VPS (DigitalOcean, Hostinger, AWS, etc.)

Most users deploy using:

Docker + Traefik
Docker Compose
Reverse proxy (NGINX)
SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt

It’s lightweight and runs even on a $5–$10 VPS.

How to Use n8n (Beginner Friendly Guide)

Here’s a simple workflow example:

Example: Send a Slack message when a new lead fills your website form

Step 1: Add a Trigger

Use Webhook Trigger or a Form provider trigger (e.g., Typeform).

Step 2: Add a Slack Node

Configure your API credentials.

Step 3: Map Incoming Data

Drag and link fields:

name → Slack message

email → Slack message

Step 4: Save & Test

Call the webhook → Slack message arrives → Workflow complete.

More Real-World Automation Examples

1. Automated Lead Qualification

Trigger: Typeform submission
Use OpenAI for scoring
Add to CRM based on score
Send personalized email

2. Sync Shopify Orders to Google Sheets

Trigger: New order
Transform: Select fields
Action: Append row to Google Sheet

3. Auto-Generate Invoices

Trigger: Payment in Stripe
Generate PDF
Email customer automatically

4. Automated Social Media Posting

Pull from CMS
Run AI rewrite
Post on X, LinkedIn, Instagram

5. Server Monitoring + Alerts

Ping server
If down → send Telegram + Slack alerts

Self-Hosted vs n8n Cloud — Which Should You Choose?

Feature	Cloud	Self-Hosted
Setup	Easiest	Requires VPS
Cost	Subscription	Nearly free
Privacy	Good	Excellent
Performance	Medium	Unlimited scaling
Custom nodes	Limited	Fully customizable
Branding	No	Yes

If you're a developer or agency, self-hosting is usually the best long-term choice.

How to Make Money With n8n (Legit & Profitable Ways)

This is where things get exciting.

n8n is not just a productivity tool — it’s a business opportunity.

Here are the best ways to monetize your n8n skills:

1. Build Automation Solutions for Businesses

Every company wants automation.

Charge for:

Workflow setup
API integrations
System migrations
Automation architecture

Freelancers make $50–$200/hour easily.

2. Sell Pre-Built Automation Templates

Examples:

CRM pipelines
Social media automation
E-commerce integrations
AI assistants

Sell on marketplaces or your own website.

3. Offer Automation as a Service (AaaS)

Provide monthly plans:

$50/month basic
$250/month advanced
$500/month enterprise

You host n8n + build flows for clients.

4. Build SaaS Products Powered by n8n

You can use n8n as:

Backend automation engine
Notification engine
Data processing layer
AI orchestration layer

You can literally build apps faster.

5. Corporate Training & Workshops

Businesses will pay handsomely for:

Automation training
AI workflow training
Internal workflow onboarding

Rates easily $500–$2000 per workshop.

6. Build Custom n8n Nodes

Create plugins that integrate with:

CRMs
Billing systems
AI APIs
Productivity tools

You can sell licenses or offer support plans.

7. Become an n8n Consultant

Consulting is in high demand because automation is complex against large systems.

Offer:

Architecture design
Troubleshooting
Optimization
Scaling
Data security compliance

Pro Tips to Master n8n

1. Learn JavaScript Basics

This unlocks:

Function nodes
Custom logic
Better transformations
Custom nodes

2. Use Sub-Workflows

Break large flows into modular components.

3. Log Everything

Use IF + Error triggers + Logging nodes.

4. Use Queues for Heavy Workflows

Helps with scaling and reliability.

5. Use Git Sync for Version Control

Great for teams and production use.

Conclusion

n8n isn’t just another automation tool — it’s part of a movement.

A movement towards:

More automation
Less manual work
Fewer SaaS subscriptions
More powerful AI-driven workflows

Whether you’re a developer, a startup founder, a freelancer, or simply someone who wants to eliminate repetitive tasks, n8n is one of the best tools to learn in 2025.

And the best part?

You can make serious money offering automation services powered by n8n.