This type of directory for service providers and customers has been done countless time before. Have you studied some of them? How do they earn their money? How did they start attracting service providers/visitors? Were the founders programmers themselves?
I believe these sites usually start with a few service providers, then they attract customers for them. When the concept is proven, you contact more service providers or the existing ones and ask them to pay commission, because you now have what they want. The fee is hidden from the customer, so it appears free. But, the customer is not only presented with a list and comparison of service providers, but also reviews/content/information that helps guide them to make the best choice (sometimes the 'best' choice is the service provider who pays you the highest commission-- conflict of interest).
Do you really need to start learning a programming language, to create a prototype of the website?
Which skill is more rare and valuable: knowing how to identify skill and delegate tasks, or how to create a website? Convincing service providers, or putting the service providers on the website?
I believe these sites usually start with a few service providers, then they attract customers for them. When the concept is proven, you contact more service providers or the existing ones and ask them to pay commission, because you now have what they want. The fee is hidden from the customer, so it appears free. But, the customer is not only presented with a list and comparison of service providers, but also reviews/content/information that helps guide them to make the best choice (sometimes the 'best' choice is the service provider who pays you the highest commission-- conflict of interest).
Do you really need to start learning a programming language, to create a prototype of the website?
Which skill is more rare and valuable: knowing how to identify skill and delegate tasks, or how to create a website? Convincing service providers, or putting the service providers on the website?