Build Basic n8n Workflows

Prerequisites

• n8n instance running (self-hosted or n8n Cloud)
• n8n MCP server connected (see n8n-mcp-setup) or API key configured
• Understanding of your automation goal (trigger, action, output)

Steps

1. Create a new workflow via MCP. Use the n8n MCP create_workflow operation to create a workflow with a descriptive name following the convention: "[Category] [Action] [Destination]" (e.g., "Leads - Enrich New Signups - Attio"). Alternatively, use the n8n REST API:

   POST /api/v1/workflows
   { "name": "Leads - Enrich New Signups - Attio", "nodes": [], "connections": {} }
   

2. Understand the node model. n8n workflows are chains of nodes. Each node receives data, processes it, and passes it to the next. The first node is always a Trigger (what starts the workflow). Middle nodes transform or enrich data. The last node sends data somewhere (CRM, email tool, database).

3. Add your trigger node. Select the appropriate trigger type in the workflow definition:

   • Webhook: for real-time events from your app
   • Schedule Trigger: for periodic tasks (cron expressions)
   • App trigger: for events from specific tools (e.g., "Attio: Record Created") The trigger determines when your workflow runs.

4. Add processing nodes. Chain nodes to transform data. Common node types:

   • HTTP Request: call external APIs
   • IF: branch on conditions
   • Set: reshape data fields
   • Code: custom JavaScript for complex logic Define nodes and connections in the workflow JSON and update via the MCP or API.

5. Connect nodes. Define connections in the workflow's connections object. Each connection maps the output of one node to the input of the next. Test individual nodes using the n8n MCP execute_workflow operation with sample data before running the full workflow.

6. Activate and test. Use the n8n MCP to activate the workflow: activate_workflow. Run a manual test first using execute_workflow with sample data. Verify each node produces the expected output. Once confirmed, the workflow runs automatically when triggered.