How To Use n8n

This guide explains how to use n8n and access your Self-Hosted n8n VPS, configure your server, login to the n8n web interface, and begin creating your first workflow.

n8n is a powerful workflow automation platform that enables businesses to connect applications, automate repetitive tasks, and build intelligent workflows using a simple visual interface. If you wish to synchronise customer data, automate email notifications, integrate AI services, or connect APIs, n8n provides a flexible solution that scales with your business.

Domains.co.za Self-Hosted n8n VPS Hosting simplifies getting started by providing a fully configured Virtual Private Server (VPS) with Debian 13 and n8n pre-installed. This eliminates the need for manual installation and allows you to begin building workflows within minutes.

Unlike cloud-based automation platforms that often charge per workflow execution or operation, Self-Hosted n8n VPS Hosting lets you create and run unlimited workflows while maintaining complete control over your data and infrastructure.

IMPORTANT:

Before using n8n, ensure your VPS has been successfully deployed and that you have received your server login details.

Before You Begin

Before setting up n8n, ensure that:

• You have purchased a Domains.co.za Self-Hosted n8n VPS Hosting plan.
• Your VPS has finished deploying.
• You have received your server’s IP address and SSH credentials.
• You have a stable Internet connection.
• You have a registered domain name if you intend to access n8n using a custom web address.

How to Use n8n

Step 1: Login to the Domains.co.za Customer Portal

1. Login to your Domains.co.za Customer Portal using your username and password.

2. Open the Manage Services drop-down menu.

3. Select VPS Hosting.

4. Click Manage next to your Self-Hosted n8n VPS Hosting package to view your VPS information (IP addresses, hostname).

Step 2: Connect to Your VPS Using SSH

You need to download an SSH client to run the SSL certificate script. Connect to your VPS using the credentials supplied after you receive the VPS deployment email.

Here are the steps:

1. Download an SSH client.

NOTE:

Domains.co.za will send the SSH client install link to KiTTY/Putty link in the welcome email to download it.

2. Open Putty and enter the IP address of your VPS and the SSH port (usually 22) and click Open.

3. Enter your login details (provided) and follow the prompts.

4. Once complete, the VPS will be configured, and you can access the n8n URL.

Once connected, follow the prompts in the SSH client to complete the SSL Certificate setup.

Step 3: Access the n8n Web Interface

Open your web browser and type in the domain (yourdomain.co.za) provided for your VPS.

You will be prompted to create an owner account. Enter a username, password, and email address.

Once logged in, the n8n dashboard will appear, and you will be able to start creating workflows in the canvas.

Examples of n8n Automation

You can use n8n to automate many everyday business processes, including:

• Automatically updating customer records.
• Synchronising orders between ecommerce platforms.
• Sending notifications to Slack or Microsoft Teams.
• Triggering email marketing campaigns.
• Connecting AI agents to business data.
• Generating reports from multiple systems.
• Routing new leads to the appropriate sales representative.
• Connecting applications through API integrations.

Troubleshooting

I Cannot Access the n8n Web Interface.

Verify that your VPS has completed deployment and that you are using the correct web address and login credentials.

My SSH setup keeps saying the DNS check failed.

A DNS check failed error means your domain isn’t resolving to your VPS IP address, or the DNS changes are still propagating, which can take anywhere from five minutes to a few hours to update.

If you are still having issues, check that your A Record is configured correctly with the correct hostname and is pointing to the exact VPS IP address in your domain’s DNS settings.

Additional Information

• Domains.co.za Self-Hosted n8n VPS Hosting includes n8n pre-installed on Debian 13, allowing you to begin building workflows immediately.
• Self-hosting n8n provides complete control over your workflows, integrations, and business data.
• Unlike many cloud-hosted automation platforms, Self-Hosted n8n VPS Hosting allows you to create and run unlimited workflows without per-execution charges.
• n8n supports hundreds of integrations, including popular business applications, AI services, APIs, and databases.
• VPS Hosting provides a reliable, always-on environment, ensuring your automation workflows continue running 24 hours a day.
• Free monthly VPS snapshots help protect your automation environment and simplify disaster recovery.
• Domains.co.za hosts Self-Hosted n8n VPS servers within South Africa, offering low latency, local support, and infrastructure designed for high availability.
• As your automation requirements grow, you can upgrade your VPS plan to increase CPU, RAM, and storage without rebuilding your workflows.

Login to Domains.co.za Account

1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.

2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.

3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.