1. How do you protect client confidentiality under white-label partnerships?
We sign strict mutual NDAs and non-compete agreements prior to project onboarding. We operate silently behind the scenes using your agency staging domains, unbranded documentation, or your internal communication channels. We never contact your end-clients directly.
2. What is your process for zero-downtime platform migrations?
We build and test the new site entirely in a sandbox staging environment. We map 100% of legacy URL paths to new canonical URLs via 301 redirect architecture using Screaming Frog log data, export/import databases seamlessly, and execute DNS cutover during off-peak hours to guarantee zero revenue downtime and zero traffic drops.
3. How do you guarantee Core Web Vitals and site speed improvements?
We address root-cause performance bottlenecks directly in the codebase: minifying Liquid/PHP scripts, refactoring render-blocking JS, replacing heavy apps with native code, setting explicit image aspect ratios for zero CLS, and preloading LCP hero assets. We benchmark results using Lighthouse CI and real-world Chrome CrUX field metrics.
4. Can Zest senior engineers join client calls directly under our agency brand?
Yes. Upon request, senior engineers can participate in technical client discovery or scoping calls using your agency email domain and branded background, acting as your internal VP of Engineering or Senior Technical Architect.
5. What technical SEO deliverables are included in custom audits and retainers?
Deliverables include full log file crawl audits, canonical URL loop fixes, robots.txt exclusion rules, custom multi-node JSON-LD schema graphs, Core Web Vitals remediation, sitemap architecture optimization, and AI-search (AEO/GEO) readiness reports.
6. How quickly can your engineering team onboard and start dev sprints?
Onboarding takes under 48 hours following NDA execution and repository access. Standard development sprints launch within 3 to 5 business days, and emergency technical hotfixes receive a 4-hour SLA response.
7. What e-commerce platforms and technical stacks do you specialize in?
We specialize in Shopify & Shopify Plus (Liquid, Storefront API), WordPress & WooCommerce (PHP, Gutenberg, ACF, Headless Next.js), technical SEO tools (Screaming Frog Enterprise, GSC API, Lighthouse CI), and Cloudflare edge workers.
8. What pricing models and SLAs do you offer for projects and retainers?
We offer transparent fixed-price project roadmaps for store builds and migrations, as well as monthly dedicated engineering bench retainers with guaranteed turnaround SLAs and zero hidden fees.