From Prompt to Automation: My Exact Manus AI + n8n Client Workflow

If last issue was the strategy, this one is pure execution.

Today I'll show you step by step how I used Manus AI + n8n to build a real client workflow - a system that takes new leads from a form, enriches them with data, and sends a personalized email automatically.

No fluff. Just steps and prompts.

"Missed last week's issue on Manus AI strategy? Read it here →"

What We're Building

Here's the workflow in plain English:

  1. Someone fills a lead form (name, email, website)

  2. Data goes into a Google Sheet

  3. n8n detects the new row

  4. AI analyzes the lead's website and writes a personalized email

  5. n8n sends the email via Gmail

  6. Everything gets logged back into the sheet

End result: A basic but real AI-powered outreach system you can sell to clients.

You can swap Google Sheets → Airtable, Gmail → any SMTP, Website analysis → any other AI task. Structure same, only tools change.

Prerequisites

Before you follow along, make sure you have:

  • A Manus AI account (free plan works for testing)

  • An n8n account (cloud or self-hosted)

  • A Google account with one Sheet for leads + Gmail enabled

  • Optional: a test email so you don't spam your main inbox

Step 1 - Design the Workflow on Paper

This is the part most people skip and then get lost.

Write this down before touching any tool:

  • Trigger: New row added in Google Sheet

  • Step 1: Get row data

  • Step 2: Generate analysis + email copy with AI

  • Step 3: Send email

  • Step 4: Update sheet with status

Four boxes. Four arrows. Once this is clear, n8n becomes easy.

Step 2 - Ask Manus to Draft the Workflow

Paste this into Manus:

"You are an expert n8n automation architect.
Build a workflow that does the following:
– Trigger when a new row is added to a Google Sheet
with columns: name, email, website
– Call an AI model to analyze the prospect's website and niche
– Generate a short personalized cold email (70–120 words)
referencing their niche
– Send the email via Gmail
– Update the Google Sheet with email_sent = true
and the exact email body in a new column
Deliverables:
Plain English step-by-step description
Suggested node names in n8n
Example expressions where needed"

Manus will return: node list, ordering, example payloads. This is your blueprint.

Step 3 - Build in n8n

3.1 Create New Workflow

  • Click "New Workflow"

  • Name it: Lead Nurture - Manus + n8n

3.2 Google Sheets Trigger Node

  • Search "Google Sheets Trigger"

  • Connect your Google account

  • Select your spreadsheet + worksheet

  • Set trigger: "New Row"

Set up your sheet headers first:
name | email | website | email_body | email_sent

3.3 AI Node (Write the Email)

Add "AI Agent" or "OpenAI" node and use this prompt:
"You are writing a short personalized email to a potential client.
Their name: {{$json["name"]}}
Their website: {{$json["website"]}}
Write:
– 1 sentence showing you understand what they do
– 2–3 sentences explaining how you can help with automation
– 1 simple CTA to reply if interested
Tone: friendly, concise, no buzzwords.
Max 5 sentences."

3.4 Gmail Node

  • To: {{$json["email"]}}

  • Subject: Quick idea for {{$json["name"]}}

  • Body: {{$node["AI Email"].json["text"]}}

Test once with your own email first!

3.5 Update Google Sheet

  • Choose "Update Row"

  • Map: email_body → AI output, email_sent → TRUE

3.6 Activate

  • Click "Execute" once to test

  • Toggle "Activate" now it runs automatically!

Step 4 - Connect a Real Lead Source

Feed the system with:

  • A Google Form connected to the sheet

  • A Webflow/Carrd landing page form

  • Manual copy-paste for existing clients

Every new row = AI reads it → writes email → sends it → logs it. Done.

How to Sell This to a Client

"Hey [Name], I noticed you're getting inbound leads.

Most people either send a generic reply or follow up manually when they have time.

I build small AI workflows that read each lead's website and send a short personalized email within minutes - using your existing tools.

I can set up a simple version as a test. If it doesn't impress you, you don't pay."

Charge:

  • $200–$500 for basic setup

  • More for reporting, dashboards, or extra sequences

Common Errors + Fixes

Error

Fix

Trigger not firing

Check workflow is Activated + correct sheet selected

Emails not sending

Re-authenticate Gmail node

Wrong row updated

Pass row ID from trigger into update node

Weird AI emails

Add "max 5 sentences, no salesy language" to prompt

Your Action Step This Week

Build this exact workflow. Don't try to be clever - copy structure → get it working → then customize.

Once you ship this once, you have a reusable pattern for:

  • Onboarding sequences

  • Post-purchase follow-ups

  • Appointment reminders

  • Content delivery

You're not just "playing with AI tools" anymore. You're building infrastructure clients pay for.

Next issue: Want me to go deeper into n8n with advanced branches? Or show a version that works without n8n using only no-code tools?

Reply and let me know, I build based on what you actually need.

— AIIncomeLab
Every Sunday | Real AI workflows. Real income.

Read on Beehiiv: https://aiincomelab.beehiiv.com

Join the Community: https://reddit.com/r/AIIncomeLab

Unsubscribe | View in browser

Keep Reading

© 2026 AI Income Weekly.
Report abusePrivacy policyTerms of use
beehiivPowered by beehiiv