Becoming a Certified Global Expert
By 2014, my reputation as a WooCommerce developer had already grown through WooThemes and my direct client projects. The next major turning point came when I applied to join Codeable.io, a highly selective freelancing platform that vetted the world's top WordPress and WooCommerce experts.
Unlike open marketplaces filled with undercutting and inconsistent quality, Codeable was different: it positioned itself as a trusted space where clients could hire developers who had been thoroughly screened for skill, professionalism, and reliability. For me, it was a chance to test myself against the best.
Certified Expert Status
After a rigorous vetting process — including technical assessments, client communication checks, and peer reviews — I became a Certified Codeable Expert Developer in late 2014. This wasn't just a badge; it was validation. Only a small percentage of applicants were accepted, and being certified placed me among an elite group trusted by both Codeable and its global client base.
In November 2014, I proudly received my Codeable Certificate of Expertise, formalizing my position in the platform's developer network. That recognition opened doors to projects from startups, agencies, and enterprises across the globe.
Four Years of Global Projects
From 2014 to 2018, Codeable became the primary channel for my work. During this period:
- I completed hundreds of tasks and projects for international clients
- I maintained a 5/5 star average rating, with over 170 detailed client reviews
- I worked across multiple time zones — from U.S. startups to European agencies to Australian businesses
The projects were diverse, but WooCommerce was often at the heart of them. I customized online stores, built new plugins, integrated third-party APIs, and optimized WordPress sites for performance and security.
What Clients Said
One of the most rewarding aspects of Codeable was the client feedback system. Every completed task ended with a review, and those reviews became part of my public profile. They didn't just reflect technical ability — they highlighted the values I lived by: responsiveness, communication, and dedication.
Client Testimonials
"Very experienced. Very thorough. Excellent communicator. Exceptional eye for detail. Anton explored every possible option and outcome and communicated multiple times per day through to completion. He went above and beyond the call to deliver. Highly recommended."
— Michael Cannan
"We have had the privilege of working with Anton for some 6 months now. In an industry fraught with fly-by-night developers and designers, it has been refreshing to have found someone who is kind, accessible and has his client's best interests at heart. Highly recommended."
— Simon Bloomhill
"Anton was responsive and kept me informed throughout the whole process. Will use him again."
— Scott
Over four years, these reviews became not just testimonials, but a body of proof that I could deliver consistently, across industries, with professionalism and trustworthiness.
Lessons from the Codeable Era
Codeable taught me three vital lessons that still define my work today:
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The value of reputation. On a platform where every review mattered, quality was everything. Cutting corners wasn't an option.
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Global perspective. Working with clients across different markets taught me how varied business needs can be — and how to adapt solutions to each.
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Efficiency and transparency. Codeable's system emphasized accurate estimates, clear deliverables, and honest communication. These became habits I carried into my independent consultancy.
Closing the Chapter in 2018
By 2018, after four years and countless successful projects, I felt it was time to move beyond Codeable. While the platform had been invaluable in building credibility, I wanted more freedom to engage directly with clients, build long-term partnerships, and take on larger, more complex projects.
The decision to step away wasn't about leaving clients behind — it was about growth. My personal site, antondevilliers.com, had matured into a trusted brand, and I was ready to evolve from a "freelancer for hire" into a consultant and solution architect.
Looking back, the Codeable era was pivotal. It gave me global visibility, sharpened my skills under constant client scrutiny, and taught me the importance of trust and reputation in this industry. But it also prepared me for the independence that would define the next stage of my journey.