Build an AI Chatbot with n8n: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this step-by-step guide to build an AI Chatbot using n8n, based on the webinar.

✅ Prerequisites

• An n8n account (cloud or self-hosted)
• An OpenAI API key
• Basic familiarity with drag-and-drop interfaces

🔧 Step 1: Create a New Workflow

1. Log in to your n8n dashboard.
2. Click “New Workflow”.
3. Name your workflow (e.g., AI Chatbot).

🧲 Step 2: Add a Trigger Node

1. Add a Trigger Node:
   • Choose “On Chat Message” if using n8n.cloud.
   • Alternatively, use Webhook or Manual Trigger for testing.

🤖 Step 3: Add the AI Agent Node

1. Click “+” and search for “AI Agent”.
2. Select “Chat Model”.
3. Choose OpenAI as the provider.
4. Click “Create New Credential” and enter:
   • API Key (from your OpenAI account)
   • Leave Organization ID and Base URL blank unless using a custom model.

🧠 Step 4: Configure the Chat Model

1. 1. Choose a model (e.g., gpt-4-1106-preview or gpt-4.0-mini).
   2. Optional: Set a System Message to define the chatbot’s personality or scope. Example:

You are a helpful assistant that only answers questions about tech entrepreneurship.

1. Leave other parameters (temperature, max tokens) at default for now.

🔗 Step 5: Connect the Nodes

1. Connect the Trigger Node to the AI Agent Node.
2. Ensure the flow is linked properly (you should see arrows between nodes).

🧪 Step 6: Test the Chatbot

1. Click “Execute Workflow” or “Test Step”.
2. Type a message in the chat interface (e.g., “How do I start a tech business?”).
3. The AI should respond based on your system prompt.

🌐 Step 7: Make It Public (Optional)

1. Double-click the Chat Node.
2. Enable “Make Chat Publicly Available”.
3. Copy the public URL and share it with others.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

• If you get “No response,” ensure:
  • The nodes are connected.
  • The workflow is active.
  • The API key is valid.
• Use the Execution Logs tab to debug.

@lerlerchan by LerLer Chan

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