Pillar 01 · Automation · Tutorial

n8n vs Make: Which to Choose If You've Never Automated Anything

Short answer: if you've never automated anything, start with Affiliate link: I may earn a commission if you purchase through this link. Make — its visual canvas of connected circles feels more intuitive the first time you open it. If you already have some practice and want more control (and pay less as you scale), try n8n.

What do these two tools actually do?

Both connect apps so that an action in one (someone subscribes to your newsletter) automatically triggers another (they get sent your free checklist) without you lifting a finger.

My recommendation for an author just starting out

1. If your first goal is automating lead magnet delivery or your newsletter, create your Make account and build that first flow — it's the path with the least friction.
2. Once you have 3-4 automations running and costs start climbing, consider migrating the heavier flows to n8n.
3. You don't have to pick "forever" — you can use both for different things.

I'm testing both tools with the authors I help position; once I have results on which performs better in practice, I'll update this article with that evidence.