Self-Host n8n: The Complete Guide

n8n is the open-source Zapier alternative that lets you build powerful automations without per-task pricing. Let’s deploy it.

Why n8n Over Zapier?

Feature	Zapier	n8n
Pricing	Per task ($0.01+)	Unlimited tasks
Self-hosted	No	Yes
Custom code	Limited	Full JavaScript
Data privacy	Their servers	Your servers
Open source	No	Yes

What You’ll Build

By the end of this guide, you’ll have:

• ✅ Your own n8n instance
• ✅ HTTPS with SSL
• ✅ Custom subdomain
• ✅ Unlimited workflows
• ✅ Zero per-execution costs

Deploy in 3 Steps

Step 1: Go to InfraPilot

Log in at app.infrapilot.at (or create a free account).

Step 2: Find n8n

Navigate to Apps → Search “n8n” → Click the card.

Step 3: Hit Deploy

Click “Deploy” and wait 60 seconds. That’s it.

First Login

Once deployed, you’ll receive:

• Your n8n URL
• Admin credentials

Log in and you’ll see the n8n editor—a visual canvas for building automations.

Your First Workflow

Let’s build something useful: Slack notifications for new Stripe payments.

1. Add the Stripe Trigger

• Click ”+” to add a node
• Search “Stripe”
• Select “Stripe Trigger”
• Choose “Payment Intent Succeeded”
• Add your Stripe API key

2. Add Slack

• Click ”+” after Stripe
• Search “Slack”
• Select “Send Message”
• Connect your Slack workspace
• Configure your message:

💰 New payment received!
Amount: {{ $json.amount / 100 }} {{ $json.currency }}
Customer: {{ $json.customer_email }}

3. Activate

Click “Save” then “Activate”. Your workflow now runs 24/7.

Popular n8n Workflows

Here are workflows our users love:

Lead Management

• New form submission → CRM + Slack + Email sequence

Content Pipeline

• RSS feed → AI summarize → Twitter + LinkedIn

Support Automation

• New ticket → Categorize with AI → Route to team

Data Sync

• Database change → Update Airtable → Notify team

Advanced Features

n8n supports things Zapier can’t do:

Custom JavaScript

// Run any JavaScript code
const items = $input.all();
const filtered = items.filter(item => item.json.value > 100);
return filtered;

Loops and Branches

Build complex logic with IF nodes, switches, and loops.

Self-Hosted Integrations

Connect to internal APIs, databases, and services that SaaS tools can’t reach.

Monitoring Your Workflows

InfraPilot’s dashboard shows you:

• Execution history
• Error logs
• Resource usage
• Uptime status

Scaling Up

Started with small workflows and now need more power?

1. Go to your InfraPilot dashboard
2. Click your n8n instance
3. Upgrade resources with one click

No migration, no downtime.

Cost Comparison

Running 10 workflows, 1,000 executions/day each:

Platform	Monthly Cost
Zapier	~$300
Make.com	~$100
n8n Cloud	$50
n8n on InfraPilot	~$30

Ready to Automate?

Deploy n8n in 60 seconds and start building unlimited workflows.

Deploy n8n Now →