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This enterprise-grade n8n workflow automates competitor monitoring on Instagram — from post fetching to AI-driven strategy alerts — using Claude AI, Instagram API, and multi-channel notifications. It tracks trends, analyzes performance, and delivers actionable insights via WhatsApp and email, keeping your team ahead with zero manual effort.
Key Features
- Daily competitor scanning from Google Sheets
- Post performance metrics (engagement rate, trends) calculated automatically
- AI-powered insights using Claude 3.5 Sonnet for content and engagement strategies
- Dual-channel alerts: WhatsApp (Twilio) and email for instant delivery
- Audit logs in Google Sheets for historical trends
- Scalable triggers: Daily schedule or webhook for ad-hoc checks
Workflow Process
| Step | Node | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schedule Trigger | Runs daily at 10 AM or via webhook (/competitor-alert) |
| 2 | Get Competitor List | Loads competitors from Competitors sheet |
| 3 | Loop Over Competitors | Processes each competitor to avoid API limits |
| 4 | Get Competitor Posts | Fetches last 10 posts via Instagram Graph API |
| 5 | Calculate Performance Metrics | Computes avg engagement and trend using Code node |
| 6 | Generate AI Insights (Claude AI) | Analyzes data for 3 strategic bullet-point insights |
| 7 | Send Email Alert | Emails detailed report to team |
| 8 | Send WhatsApp Alert (Twilio) | Sends concise alert via WhatsApp |
| 9 | Log Alert | Records metrics and insights in AlertsLog sheet |
| 10 | End Workflow | Terminates execution |
Setup Instructions
1. Import Workflow
- Open n8n → Workflows → Import from Clipboard
- Paste the JSON workflow
2. Configure Credentials
| Integration | Details |
|---|---|
| Google Sheets | Service account with spreadsheet access |
| Instagram API | Business access token for media fetching |
| Claude AI | Anthropic API key for claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022 |
| Twilio | Credentials for WhatsApp messaging |
| SMTP/Email | SMTP or Gmail for email alerts |
3. Update Spreadsheet IDs
Ensure your Google Sheets include:
CompetitorsAlertsLog
4. Set Triggers
- Webhook:
/webhook/competitor-alert(for on-demand runs) - Schedule: Daily at 10:00 AM
5. Run a Test
Use manual execution to confirm:
- Post fetching and metrics calculation
- AI insights generation
- WhatsApp/email delivery and sheet logging
Google Sheets Structure
Competitors
| competitorName | competitorUserId | industryFocus |
|---|---|---|
| BrandX | 1234567890 | Fashion |
AlertsLog
| competitor | avgEngagement | trend | insights | timestamp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrandX | 75.5 | Rising | - Bullet 1... | 2023-10-01T12:00:00Z |
System Requirements
| Requirement | Version/Access |
|---|---|
| n8n | v1.50+ (AI and messaging integrations supported) |
| Claude AI API | claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022 |
| Instagram Graph API | Business account access token |
| Twilio API | WhatsApp-enabled phone number |
| Google Sheets API | https://www.googleapis.com/auth/spreadsheets |
| SMTP | For email (e.g., Gmail OAuth) |
Optional Enhancements
- Add visual charts (e.g., engagement trends via Google Charts)
- Integrate Slack for team-wide alerts
- Use advanced metrics like reach/impressions via Instagram Insights API
- Connect CRM (HubSpot) to tag competitors
- Enable multi-platform monitoring (e.g., TikTok)
- Add threshold-based alerts (e.g., only if engagement >20% increase)
- Export insights to Notion or Airtable for strategy docs
Result:
A single automated system that monitors competitors, uncovers trends, and arms your team with AI strategies — delivered via WhatsApp and email with zero manual work.
Get in touch with us for custom n8n automation!