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Domain Availability Monitor with Porkbun, Google Sheets & Multi-Channel Alerts

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Created by: Khairul Muhtadin || khmuhtadin

Khairul Muhtadin

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Last update 15 hours ago

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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

  1. Trigger: A schedule trigger initiates the workflow every 30 minutes.
  2. Data Collection: It retrieves a list of domains to monitor from a designated Google Sheet, specifically targeting rows marked as "no" for availability.
  3. Processing: The workflow iterates through each domain one by one.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. Import the JSON file to your n8n instance.
  2. Create a Google Sheet with two columns: Domain (e.g., example.com) and isAvailable (e.g., no).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Test execution:
    • Add a domain you know is available to your Google Sheet (with isAvailable set to "no"). Run the workflow manually to verify that all connections work and you receive notifications.

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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