Online relationship marketing: evolution and theoretical insights into online relationship marketing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the past, current and future trends in empirical research and theoretical insights into online relationship marketing. Design/methodology/approach Review over 100 empirical and theoretical studies in the online relationship marketing from top marketing and management journals. Findings This paper examined three areas pertinent to online relationship marketing: first, the evolution of online relationship marketing from pre-1990s to the present, which offers a temporal snapshot of changes in and an overview of the critical components that make up the structure of online relationship marketing; second, key theoretical perspectives are underlying the development of online relationship marketing; and third, empirical insights into online relationship marketing. In general, online relationship marketing has evolved from customers being passive receivers of online information and services to active co-producers and value co-creators. Research limitations/implications The paper identifies future research areas, including multiple layers of interactions, use of new technologies and platforms and the dark side of online communications. Originality/value The authors dedicated summary tables for each area, highlighting key findings, which in turn suggest a series of managerial recommendations for facilitating efficient, effective buyer-seller interactions and maximising firm performance in relation to online relationship marketing.