The ONLY n8n Tutorial You Need for Beginners | How to Build AI Automations for FREE (Step-by-Step)

🚀 Set up your own self-hosted n8n server with Hostinger and save ~80%. This is the exact setup I use: https://joshuamayo.com/n8n In this beginner-friendly n8n tutorial, you’ll learn how to build powerful AI automations from scratch, even if you’ve never used automation tools before. We walk step-by-step through setting up n8n, understanding workflows, nodes, triggers, filters, and switches, and building a real automation that saves form submissions, filters leads, and sends automated emails. You’ll also learn how to self-host n8n for FREE (or nearly free) using a private server, saving up to 80% compared to n8n’s hosted plans. This video breaks everything down in simple terms so you actually understand how n8n works — not just copy templates blindly. If you’re coming from tools like Zapier or IFTTT and want more control, flexibility, and AI-powered workflows, this is the only n8n tutorial you need to get started. By the end of this video, you’ll know how to: • Set up n8n step-by-step • Build your first automation from scratch • Use triggers, filters, switches, and credentials • Connect Google Sheets, Gmail, and forms • Create smarter AI-powered workflows • Self-host n8n to save money long-term Perfect for beginners, creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to automate their business with AI. --- ## 📌 Watch Next 👉 Watch this next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY7w3fzcXbQ&t=3s --- ## 🔗 Resources 🚀 Finally start a business with Self Made Blueprint → https://selfmadeblueprint.com/ 🎥 Grow on YouTube with Pro YouTuber Course → https://proyoutuber.com/ 💡 Find Your Next Business Idea at Porkmoo → https://porkmoo.com --- ## ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to n8n and AI Automations 00:54 - What is n8n? (Simple Definition & Use Cases) 02:34 - How to Host n8n for 80% Cheaper (Self-Hosting Guide) 05:07 - Using a Coupon Code for Extra Savings 05:39 - Setting Up n8n on Your VPS 06:23 - Initial n8n Account Setup & License Activation 07:22 - Understanding Key n8n Concepts (Nodes, Triggers, Workflows) 10:50 - Navigating the n8n Dashboard 11:50 - How to Use n8n Templates to Save Time 13:20 - Step-by-Step Tutorial: Building Your First Workflow 14:43 - Step 1: Creating a Form Submission Trigger 16:15 - Understanding Data Outputs and Pinning Data 17:20 - Step 2: Connecting and Mapping Google Sheets 20:02 - Step 3: Adding Filters to Your Workflow 21:46 - Step 4: Setting Up a Switch (Branching Paths) 22:23 - Step 5: Automating Occupation-Specific Emails (Gmail Node) 24:06 - Final Summary and How to Get Good at n8n --- ## 🛠️ Tools I Use 📷 All of my equipment → https://www.amazon.com/shop/joshuamayo 🎵 My music → https://joshuamayo.com/epidemic 🎬 My title effects → https://joshuamayo.com/motionvfx 🎨 My graphics + stock footage → https://joshuamayo.com/envato 🖼️ How I make my thumbnails pop → https://joshuamayo.com/luminar 📈 My secret tool for ranking videos → https://joshuamayo.com/vidiq --- ## 👤 Connect With Me 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/realjoshuamayo/ 🐷 Second Channel (Porkmoo) → https://youtube.com/@itsPorkmoo 🌐 Website → https://joshuamayo.com --- ## ⚠️ Disclaimer This video may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and keeps the content free.