Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create AI Agents with No-Code Using N8N
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming businesses by automating repetitive tasks and making workflows smarter. But what if you could build your own autonomous AI agents—without writing a single line of code?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create AI agents using N8N, a powerful no-code automation tool. Whether you want to monitor inventory, automate social media posting, or build custom AI chatbots, this step-by-step tutorial will take you from zero to hero!
🔹 What You’ll Learn
✅ What are AI Agents & Workflows?
✅ How to Install N8N (Free & Cloud Versions)
✅ Connecting AI Models (Google Gemini & OpenAI)
✅ Building Real-World AI Agents:
- Inventory Checker Agent (Google Sheets)
- Auto-Posting AI Agent (Facebook & LinkedIn)
✅ Monetizing Your AI Agents
Step 1: Understanding AI Agents vs. Workflows
What is an AI Agent?
An AI agent is an autonomous system where an AI model (like Gemini or ChatGPT) dynamically decides actions based on user input.
Example:
- A customer support agent that decides whether to create a ticket, check order history, or issue a refund—without predefined rules.
What is a Workflow?
A workflow is a predefined automation where actions follow a fixed sequence.
Example:
- When a user fills a form, their data is saved in a CRM, and they get an automated email.
🛠 Step 2: Installing N8N (Local & Cloud Setup)
Option 1: Local Installation (Free)
- Install Node.js (Required for N8N)
- Download: https://nodejs.org
- Open Terminal & Run:
npm install -g n8n- Start N8N:
n8n- Access N8N at:
http://localhost:5678Option 2: Cloud Hosting (24/7 Automation)
- Use Google Cloud, AWS, or N8N Cloud (Paid)
- Follow this [N8N Cloud Setup Guide]() (Link in description)
Step 3: Connecting AI Models (Gemini & OpenAI)
Getting API Keys
- Google Gemini (Free Tier Available)
- Go to: https://ai.google.dev
- Create an API key under “Get API Key”
- OpenAI (Paid, but Powerful)
- Sign up: https://platform.openai.com
- Get an API Key under “API Keys”
Adding AI to N8N
- Open N8N → Credentials → New Credential
- Select Google Gemini or OpenAI Chat Model
- Paste your API Key → Save
Step 4: Building an Inventory Checker AI Agent
Goal: Automatically check low-stock products in Google Sheets using AI.
Steps:
- Add a “Chat Trigger” Node (User input)
- Connect to Google Gemini/OpenAI
- Add Google Sheets Integration
- Set Up Credentials (Google Sheets API)
- Define Sheet & Data Range
- Prompt AI to Analyze Inventory
- Example:
"Check my Google Sheet for products with zero stock and list them."
- Test & Deploy!
✅ Now your AI can scan inventory and alert you automatically!
Step 5: Building a Social Media Auto-Poster AI Agent
Goal: Automatically find trending news, analyze engagement, and post to Facebook/LinkedIn.
Steps:
- Add a “Schedule Trigger” (Runs daily)
- Fetch News via GNews API
- Example Query:
json { "q": "AI technology", "lang": "en", "max": 3 }
- Analyze Articles with AI
- Prompt:
"Which of these 3 articles will perform best on Facebook?"
- Auto-Post to Facebook/LinkedIn
- Use Facebook Graph API Node
- Set Dynamic Topics (Monday-Sunday)
- Example:
- Monday: Tech News
- Tuesday: Business Trends
✅ Your AI now auto-posts viral content daily!
Step 6: Monetizing Your AI Agents
- Sell automations to businesses (e.g., inventory tracking, social media bots).
- Offer AI agent services on Fiverr/Upwork.
- Automate your own business (e.g., customer support, lead gen).
Conclusion
Now you know how to build AI agents without coding using N8N, Gemini, and OpenAI!
Next Steps:
- Try building your own AI agent (e.g., email responder, data scraper).
- Subscribe for more AI automation tutorials! 🚀
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
