Even Oil companies believe in making the best of the IPL 2009 season. Gulf Oil has launched a contest for cricket buffs titled ‘Golden Ball Contest’. It seems like Gulf Oil took a while to launch the contest as many other online initiatives were launched prior to the event opening. 

The Oil major has tied-up with Kings XI Punjab for the contest which is a no-brainer; in fact it’s all about your luck. After registering you will have a screen full of Gulf Oil logos rapidly parading in varied directions. You simply need to click on one of them.

If you end up with a golden ball you literally win a 18k golden ball. And if you get a blue ball you end up with free merchandise from Kings XI Punjab. But in case you end up with a white ball you lose.

The only thing that got me pondering is the URL used to host the contest. It has an extensive URL and does not create recall. In fact the creative agency should have booked a sperate URL and hosted a microsite. I guess they are banking on their PPC and banner campaign to drive users to the contest.

The contest is designed by Atul Hegde headed digital marketing company Ignitee (previously known as Connecturf). The re-branding of Connecturf as Ignitee happened at the end of last year. While the revamp Atul Hegde took over as the CEO while founder V Ramani continues as Vice-chairman and MD.

If you are online advertising junkie you would notice that there has been no significant online campaigns or properties launched / designed by Ignitee. Though they have a vast clientele I think it is high time they create matchless online properties and solutions as the agency was a creative hot-shop in its initial years. Lets hope Atul Hegde works his magic!