Writing a book establishes authority like few other achievements. But many authors struggle to turn book readers into customers for other offers. An ebook ladder solves this by creating multiple entry points and clear paths to deeper engagement.

The ebook ladder moves readers from discovery to purchase to ongoing relationship. Each chapter, each free sample, each bonus becomes a leak that builds toward your larger body of work.

E-BOOK

The Book as Hub

Your ebook becomes a hub connecting to other offers. Inside the book, include:

  • Links to your email list for bonus content
  • References to your courses or coaching
  • Invitations to your community
  • Resources mentioned in the book

Every reader becomes a potential lead for higher offers.

Book Element Ladder Purpose
Content Demonstrate expertise
Bonus links Capture leads

Free Chapters as Lead Magnets

Offer free chapters as lead magnets. Readers get a sample of your writing and value; you get email subscribers. Choose chapters that stand alone while creating curiosity for more.

Pre-Launch Leaks

Before launching your book, leak content from it. Share excerpts, key insights, and behind-the-scenes of writing. Build anticipation and early interest.

Launch Week Strategy

During launch week, create urgency. Limited-time bonuses for buyers. Countdown to launch end. Price promotions. Use your entire ladder to drive sales.

Post-Launch Evergreen

After launch, your book becomes an evergreen asset. Continue promoting it through your content. Use it as a lead magnet for higher offers. The book works for you indefinitely.

If you have a book or plan one, map out your ebook ladder. How will you use free chapters as lead magnets? What bonuses will you offer? How will the book connect to other offers? Create your plan before publishing.

How to Create a GitHub Account and Set Up a New Repository

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Why Do You Need a GitHub Repository to Use the Mediumish Theme?

Before you can use the Jekyll Mediumish theme, you need a GitHub repository because that's where all your site’s files will be stored and published. GitHub Pages serves static websites directly from a GitHub repository. Without it, your Jekyll site cannot go live.

What Is a GitHub Repository?

A GitHub repository is like a folder for your project that contains all files, history, and version control. When working with Jekyll themes like Mediumish, your repository will contain layout files, markdown posts, images, configuration files, and any custom scripts.

How to Create a GitHub Account?

If you’re starting from scratch, the first step is to register for a GitHub account. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Visit https://github.com.

  2. Click on the Sign Up button on the top right.

  3. Enter your email address, choose a username, and create a strong password.

  4. GitHub may ask for email verification. Complete that step.

  5. Choose the free plan, which is sufficient for hosting static sites on GitHub Pages.

Best Practices for Creating Your Account

  • Use a professional username if the account will be used publicly.

  • Enable two-factor authentication for better security.

  • Keep your email address consistent with your domain (if applicable) to look more credible.

How to Set Up a New Repository for Your Jekyll Blog?

Once your account is created, you’ll need a new repository to hold your Mediumish theme and site content.

Creating a New Repository

  1. Log in to your GitHub account.

  2. Click the + icon in the top-right corner and select New Repository.

  3. Enter a Repository Name — for GitHub Pages, it’s typically username.github.io.

  4. Add a short Description.

  5. Choose Public (unless you’re using a paid plan).

  6. Do not initialize the repository with a README if you're uploading theme files manually later.

  7. Click Create Repository.

Should You Use a Personal or Project Repository?

You can create a repository either as:

  • Personal Website Repository: Named yourusername.github.io. This will make the site appear at that domain.
  • Project Repository: Any other name, e.g. mediumish-blog. The site will be published at yourusername.github.io/repository-name.

What Makes a Good Repository Structure?

To ensure Jekyll and GitHub Pages work together smoothly, make sure your repository includes:

  • _config.yml – for site-wide configuration.
  • _posts/ – folder for blog posts.
  • _layouts/ – layout templates for rendering pages.
  • index.html or index.md – the main landing page.
  • assets/ – CSS, JS, images, and other static files.

How to Upload Files to Your Repository?

After creating the repo, you need to upload the Mediumish theme files into it. Here are two main ways to do that:

Option 1: Upload via Web Interface

  1. Go to your repository on GitHub.

  2. Click Add file > Upload files.

  3. Select your unzipped Mediumish theme folder files.

  4. Commit the changes at the bottom.

Option 2: Upload via Git (Recommended)

If you're familiar with Git, this is a more efficient method:

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/yourrepo.git
cd yourrepo
# Copy Mediumish files into this folder
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit with Mediumish theme"
git push origin main

What to Do After Uploading Your Theme?

Once the Mediumish theme is uploaded, GitHub Pages should automatically build your site if the configuration is correct. Make sure you:

  • Have _config.yml at the root.
  • Use a compatible theme structure supported by GitHub Pages.
  • Enable GitHub Pages from the repository’s Settings tab.

Where Will Your Site Be Published?

If you used the format username.github.io for your repository name, your site will appear at https://username.github.io. If you used a project repository, it will appear under a subdirectory path.

What If Your Site Doesn’t Show Up?

If you don’t see your site live after uploading, try these steps:

  • Check that the repository is public.

  • Make sure GitHub Pages is enabled in Settings > Pages.

  • Verify you have an index.html or index.md at the root level.

  • Check the GitHub Actions tab for any build errors.

Conclusion

Setting up your GitHub account and repository is the foundation for using the Mediumish theme with Jekyll. It’s not just a technical necessity, but also your gateway to a free, fast, and customizable blog hosted directly from your GitHub account. Once this setup is complete, you can move on to customizing the theme, writing blog posts in Markdown, and optimizing your site for SEO.

What's Next?

In the next part of this guide, we’ll explore how to properly configure the _config.yml file and personalize your Mediumish blog for branding and structure. This will include adding your site title, base URL, social links, and more.