Domain availability monitor with Porkbun, Google Sheets & multi-channel alerts
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This workflow automatically checks a list of desired domain names for availability every 30 minutes. Using the Porkbun API and Google Sheets, it instantly sends detailed notifications via Gmail and Discord the moment a domain becomes available, so you can secure it before anyone else.
Why Use This Workflow?
Time Savings: Eliminates hours of manual domain checking each week. Set your list once and let the automation monitor your targets 24/7.
Competitive Edge: Gain a critical speed advantage in acquiring high-value or expiring domains the second they become available.
Scalability: Effortlessly monitor hundreds of domains simultaneously without any extra effort or performance degradation.
Ideal For
- Domain Investors: Automatically track and snipe valuable expiring domains for their portfolio without constant manual checks.
- Marketing Agencies & SEO Specialists: Secure brandable domains for new clients or build out private blog networks by catching domains as soon as they drop.
- Startups & Entrepreneurs: Monitor desired brand names without the daily hassle, ensuring they get the perfect domain the moment it's available.
How It Works
- Trigger: A schedule trigger initiates the workflow every 30 minutes.
- Data Collection: It retrieves a list of domains to monitor from a designated Google Sheet, specifically targeting rows marked as "no" for availability.
- Processing: The workflow iterates through each domain one by one.
- Intelligence Layer: It makes an API call to Porkbun to check the current availability of the domain. An IF node then determines if the domain is available (
avail==yes). - Output & Delivery: If a domain is available, the workflow sends a rich HTML email via Gmail and a formatted message to a Discord channel, complete with pricing details and a direct registration link.
- Storage & Logging: The Google Sheet is automatically updated to mark the domain as "available," preventing redundant notifications on future runs.
Setup Guide
Prerequisites
| Requirement | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| n8n instance | Essential | Workflow execution platform |
| Porkbun Account | Essential | API Access for domain checks |
| Google Cloud Platform | Essential | Storing domain list (Sheets) & sending alerts (Gmail) |
| Discord Server | Optional | Real-time channel notifications |
Installation Steps
- Import the JSON file to your n8n instance.
- Create a Google Sheet with two columns:
Domain(e.g., example.com) andisAvailable(e.g., no). - Configure credentials:
- Porkbun: Log in to Porkbun, go to API Access, create a new key, and copy the API Key and Secret Key into the HTTP Request nodes. A "Validate API KEY" node is included for testing your credentials.
- Google Sheets/Gmail: Authenticate your Google account for the Google Sheets and Gmail nodes.
- Discord: Create a Discord Bot and add the credentials to the Discord node.
- Update environment-specific values:
- Get Domains from Sheet: Enter your Google Sheet ID and select the correct sheet name.
- Send Email Alert: Set your recipient's email address in the "To" field.
- Send Discord Notification: Select your desired Server and Channel ID.
- Test execution:
- Add a domain you know is available to your Google Sheet (with
isAvailableset to "no"). Run the workflow manually to verify that all connections work and you receive notifications.
- Add a domain you know is available to your Google Sheet (with
Technical Details
Core Nodes
| Node | Purpose | Key Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Trigger | Initiates the workflow on a recurring basis. | Set the desired interval (default: 30 minutes). |
| Google Sheets | Reads the domain list and updates its status. | Sheet ID, Sheet Name, and column mapping. |
| SplitInBatches | Processes each domain from the list individually. | Batch size is set to 1 to check domains sequentially. |
| HTTP Request | Queries the Porkbun API for domain availability. | Porkbun API endpoint and credentials. |
| IF | Routes the workflow based on the API response. | Checks if response.avail equals "yes". |
| Gmail | Sends a detailed email alert for available domains. | Recipient email, subject, and HTML body. |
| Discord | Sends a concise notification to a Discord channel. | Server ID, Channel ID, and message content. |
| Wait | Prevents API rate-limiting. | Pauses for 10 seconds between checking domains. |
Workflow Logic
The workflow is triggered by a schedule, fetching a list of domains from a Google Sheet.
It uses the SplitInBatches node to loop through each domain sequentially.
For every domain, it calls the Porkbun API. An IF node checks the response; if available, it triggers notifications and updates the Google Sheet.
A Wait node is crucial for respecting API rate limits, ensuring the workflow runs smoothly even with large domain lists.
Customization Options
Basic Adjustments:
- Check Frequency: Modify the "Schedule Trigger" node to run more or less frequently.
- Notification Channels: Remove the Gmail or Discord nodes, or add new ones like Slack or Telegram.
- Email Content: Customize the HTML in the Gmail node to match your branding.
Advanced Enhancements:
- Auto-Registration: Extend the workflow to use Porkbun's domain registration API endpoint to automatically purchase the domain when it becomes available (use with caution).
- Advanced Filtering: Add logic to only send notifications for domains with specific TLDs (.com, .io, etc.) or that are not marked as "premium."
- Tiered Notifications: Set up different notification channels based on the perceived value of the domain, sending high-priority alerts via SMS for critical domains.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow fails at HTTP Request node | Invalid Porkbun API credentials. | Use the separate "Validate API KEY" node to test your keys directly. Regenerate them if needed. |
| No domains are processed | Google Sheets node configuration error or the sheet is empty. | Verify the Sheet ID is correct and that the isAvailable column contains "no" for the domains you want to check. |
| Authentication errors | Google or Discord credentials have expired or lack permissions. | Re-authenticate the respective nodes in the n8n credentials panel. |
Created by: Khaisa Studio
Category: Monitoring Tags: Porkbun, Domain, Automation, Google Sheets, Notifications
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