n8n Workflows

Automate GoDaddy Subdomain Management via Email Requests

Why This Was Set Up

Handling DNS changes like adding or removing subdomains used to be a small but constant distraction. Developers would send quick messages asking for updates, such as creating staging.project.com or removing test123.client.com. Each request didn’t take long, but the interruptions kept breaking focus.

To reduce the back-and-forth and save time, a simple automated system was built to manage these changes without manual involvement. Now, common DNS tasks can run automatically with minimal effort.

What the Automation Does

This system handles subdomain creation and deletion based on a trigger, usually an email or an HTTP request. Once a request is received, the workflow:

Reads the message
Validates the instruction (create or delete)
Uses the GoDaddy API to perform the update
Sends a confirmation email once the task is complete

There’s no need to log in to any dashboard or click through control panels. The task runs immediately and quietly in the background.

How It Helps

DNS requests are handled right away, without delays
Developers no longer need to wait for manual action from DevOps
A confirmation email is automatically sent for every change
A history of all requests is preserved for tracking
It cuts down repetitive work, helping save time across the week

It’s a straightforward solution, but one that makes a noticeable difference day-to-day.

How the Workflow Is Structured

1. Trigger the Workflow

Everything begins with a GET request, usually coming from an email parser or a webhook. This serves as the instruction to update DNS.

2. Extract Request Data

The workflow parses the incoming data to understand which subdomain is involved and whether the request is to create or delete it.

3. Validate the Instruction

Before continuing, it checks that the request is valid and well-formed. If the instruction is unclear or unsupported, the process stops there.

4. Call the GoDaddy API

If the instruction is to create a subdomain, it sends a POST request to GoDaddy’s DNS API.
If it’s a deletion, a DELETE request is sent instead.
The system uses stored API credentials and standard DNS record formats to make sure the change is applied correctly.

5. Send a Confirmation Email

Once the action is complete, an automatic email is sent to confirm the result. If successful, the message includes details of the update. If something goes wrong, it reports the failure clearly.