In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up an AI-driven workflow that automatically processes highly-rated food photos from a Google Sheet, generates AI-powered captions, shares them to Pinterest, and updates the sheet to reflect the posts. Ready to automate your food photo sharing? Let’s dive in!
What’s the Goal?
- Automatically detect and process highly-rated food photos (4 stars or above) from a Google Sheet.
- Use AI to generate engaging and relevant captions.
- Share the photos with captions to Pinterest via the Pinterest API.
- Update the Google Sheet to mark photos as posted.
- Enable scheduled automation for consistent posting.
By the end, you’ll have a self-running system that shares your best food photos effortlessly.
Why Does It Matter?
Manual photo sharing is time-consuming and inconsistent. Here’s why this workflow is a game changer:
- Zero Human Error: AI ensures consistent captions and posting accuracy.
- Time-Saving Automation: Automatically handle photo sharing, boosting efficiency.
- Scheduled Posting: Maintain a regular presence on Pinterest without manual effort.
- Focus on Creativity: Free your team from repetitive posting tasks.
Think of it as your tireless social media assistant that keeps your Pinterest feed vibrant.
How It Works
Here’s the step-by-step magic behind the automation:
Step 1: Trigger the Workflow
- Detect new photos to post using the Daily Post Scheduler node (e.g., once daily).
- Initiate the workflow at a scheduled time to check for new food photos.
Step 2: Fetch Food Photos from Sheet
- Retrieve rows from the Google Sheet that contain food photo metadata like image URLs, ratings, and status.
Step 3: Filter 4+ Star Dishes
- Filter only those food entries with high ratings (4 stars or above) and unposted status.
Step 4: AI Caption Generator
- Use AI (e.g., GPT/OpenAI) to create engaging and relevant captions for selected food photos.
Step 5: Upload to Pinterest
- Automatically post the food photo with the generated caption to Pinterest via the Pinterest API.
Step 6: Mark as Posted in Sheet
- Update the Google Sheet to reflect that the photo has been successfully shared.
How to Use the Workflow?
Importing a workflow in n8n is a straightforward process that allows you to use pre-built workflows to save time. Below is a step-by-step guide to importing the Automated Food Photo Sharing workflow in n8n.
Steps to Import a Workflow in n8n
-
Obtain the Workflow JSON
- Source the Workflow: Workflows are shared as JSON files or code snippets, e.g., from the n8n community, a colleague, or exported from another n8n instance.
- Format: Ensure you have the workflow in JSON format, either as a file (e.g., workflow.json) or copied text.
-
Access the n8n Workflow Editor
- Log in to n8n (via n8n Cloud or self-hosted instance).
- Navigate to the Workflows tab in the n8n dashboard.
- Click Add Workflow to create a blank workflow.
-
Import the Workflow
- Option 1: Import via JSON Code (Clipboard):
- Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner to open the menu.
- Select Import from Clipboard.
- Paste the JSON code into the text box.
- Click Import to load the workflow.
- Option 2: Import via JSON File:
- Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.
- Select Import from File.
- Choose the .json file from your computer.
- Click Open to import.
Setup Notes
- Google Sheet Columns: Ensure your Google Sheet includes the following columns:
Image URL
, Rating
(numeric, e.g., 1-5), Feedback
(text), Pin Title
, Pin Description
, Destination URL
, Board ID
, and Status
(e.g., "Pending" or "Posted").
- Google Sheets Credentials: Configure OAuth2 settings in the Fetch Food Photos node with your Google Sheet ID and credentials.
- AI Model: Set up the AI Caption Generator node with OpenAI credentials (e.g., API key).
- Pinterest API: Authorize the Upload to Pinterest node with Pinterest API credentials (e.g., Bearer Token) and obtain the Board ID.
- Scheduling: Adjust the Daily Post Scheduler node to your preferred posting time (e.g., daily at 9 AM).