Before you start

n8n (Cloud or self-hosted)
Google Sheets
OpenAI API key
Brand, audience and voice notes (Config)

1. Pick where it runs

n8n Cloud

Log in to your n8n Cloud workspace.
Workflows → Import from file.
Pick the file(s) in workflow/.

n8n self-hosted

Open your n8n (Docker or npm, v1.x/2.x).
Workflows → Import from file.
Same files; nothing else changes.

ChatGPT or Claude

Create a Custom GPT or Claude Project.
Paste gpt/INSTRUCTIONS.txt.
Upload your sheet or paste rows in.

2. Setup checklist

Download the files from your welcome emailUnzip. You'll use the workflow/, templates/ and guide/ folders.
Import ideas-template.csv into Google SheetsIdeas tab with 3 example ideas
Import ai-content-marketer.n8n.json into n8nWorkflows → Import from file (n8n Cloud or self-hosted).
Connect Google SheetsUsed by: Get New Ideas, Write Back to Sheet.
Connect OpenAIUsed by: Write Content.
Fill in the Config nodebrand, audience, voice, offer, cta, avoid, language, batch_size.
Run it on 3 real rowsCheck the drafts and the status column before you raise the batch size.

3. Connect your tools

Service	Nodes that use it
Google Sheets	Get New Ideas, Write Back to Sheet
OpenAI	Write Content

In each node, choose Create new credential and sign in (Google uses OAuth; OpenAI takes an API key). n8n stores credentials in your instance, not with us.

What the statuses mean

Status	Meaning	Your next step
`drafted`	All formats written	Edit, schedule, post
`error`	See the error column	Re-run with status = new

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Fix
Sounds generic	Make `voice` concrete ("short sentences, contrarian, uses examples from B2B SaaS") and add 2-3 facts in `notes`
Source not used	The site blocks bots or is JS-only → paste the key text into `notes`

Guardrails

Review for accuracy before posting; you're the publisher.
Disclose AI assistance where the platform or your industry requires it.
Respect copyright: summarise and link sources, don't republish them.

Set up the AI Content Marketer