Fix Your Google Business Profile Address: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ilanga Complex is currently listed at 1188 Puttick Ave, Northwold — but searching that address pulls up a residential property down the road. Here's exactly how to claim the profile and correct it.
There are two separate but connected issues causing confusion for anyone trying to find Ilanga Complex online. Understanding both problems is essential before attempting any fix.
🏢 Wrong Pin Location
Searching "Ilanga Complex" returns a listing at 1188 Puttick Ave — but Google's map pin points to a residential house further down the road, not the complex itself.
🔓 Unclaimed Profile
The Google Business Profile for Ilanga Complex has never been claimed by its owner. This means no one has verified or managed the listing, leaving it open to errors.
📍 Address Conflict
Because the profile is unclaimed, the address data is auto-generated and inaccurate. Correcting it requires ownership verification first — you cannot edit what you don't own.
What You're Seeing Right Now
These screenshots illustrate the core issue. Notice how the same address returns two very different results depending on how you search.
Search: "Ilanga Complex"
The Google Business Profile appears, showing 1188 Puttick Ave, Northwold. However, the map pin does not land on the complex — it lands on a house further along the street.
[PLACEHOLDER: Screenshot of GBP listing for Ilanga Complex showing 1188 Puttick Ave, Northwold]
Search: "1188 Puttick Ave"
Searching the address directly brings up a residential property — not Ilanga Complex. This creates serious confusion for visitors, delivery drivers, and clients trying to navigate.
[PLACEHOLDER: Screenshot showing the residential home at 1188 Puttick Ave appearing in Google Search/Maps]
The Two-Step Fix
Resolving this issue requires two clear actions, completed in the correct order. You must claim the profile before you can edit anything. Attempting to correct the address on an unclaimed profile is not possible.
Both steps are straightforward and can typically be completed within 1–3 business days, depending on how you choose to verify ownership.
Step 1
Claim the Google Business Profile
Before any changes can be made to Ilanga Complex's listing, the profile must be claimed. Claiming gives you full management rights over the listing — including the ability to edit the address, add photos, respond to reviews, and update business hours.
Step 1A — Find the Existing Listing
1
Open Google Maps or Search
Go to maps.google.com or type "Ilanga Complex" into Google Search. The existing listing should appear in the results. Do not create a new listing — one already exists and must be claimed, not duplicated.
2
Click on the Business Name
Click on the Ilanga Complex listing to open the full business panel. Scroll down within the panel until you see the option labelled "Own this business?" or "Claim this business."
3
Click "Claim This Business"
Tap or click the claim link. You will be redirected to Google Business Profile Manager (business.google.com) where the verification process begins. Make sure you are signed into the Google Account you wish to use for managing the listing.
Step 1B — Sign In to Google Business Profile
You'll need a Google Account to claim the listing. Ideally, use a business-owned Gmail account so that access is not tied to a personal email address.
Use a Business Google Account
If you don't already have one, create a new Google Account at accounts.google.com. Use a recognisable business email (e.g. admin@ilangacomplex.co.za) where possible to maintain professionalism.
Navigate to Business Profile Manager
Go to business.google.com and sign in. From here, search for "Ilanga Complex" in the search bar. The existing listing will appear — click "Manage this business" to begin the claiming process.
Select "Claim It" or "Request Access"
If no other owner exists, you'll see a "Claim it" button. If another user has previously claimed it, you'll see "Request Access" — in which case Google will contact the existing owner to hand over control.
Step 1C — Verify Your Ownership
Google requires proof that you are legitimately associated with the business before granting management access. Several verification methods are available — the most common for a physical premises like Ilanga Complex is postcard by mail.
Verification Methods Available
Postcard by Mail
Google sends a physical postcard to the business address containing a 5-digit verification code. Delivery typically takes 5–14 days. This is the standard method for most businesses.
Phone Call
If eligible, Google will call the business's listed phone number and provide an automated verification code. This is faster but only available if a valid phone number is already on file.
Email
If Google recognises a verified email domain linked to the business, an email verification option may appear. Enter the code sent to your inbox to complete verification instantly.
Video Verification
Newer accounts may be prompted for a live video call with a Google representative. You'll be asked to show the business premises, signage, and equipment to confirm legitimacy.
Step 1D — Enter Your Verification Code
Once you receive your verification code (via postcard, phone, or email), return to business.google.com and enter it to complete the claiming process.
01
Log In to business.google.com
Sign in with the same Google Account you used when initiating the claim. Navigate to the Ilanga Complex listing in your dashboard.
02
Click "Enter Code"
You will see a prompt to enter your verification code. Type the 5-digit code exactly as shown on the postcard, SMS, or email. Click Submit.
03
Confirmation of Ownership
Google will confirm that verification is complete. The profile status will change from "Unverified" to "Verified" and you will have full editing rights immediately.
Once verified, a green tick and "Verified" badge will appear on your listing. You can now proceed to Step 2: correcting the address.
Step 2
Correct the Business Address
With the profile now claimed and verified, you have full editing rights. The next task is to correct the address so that Google's pin accurately reflects the location of Ilanga Complex — not the residential property further along Puttick Ave.
Step 2A — Access the Profile Editor
There are two ways to access your listing's editing tools. Choose whichever method you're most comfortable with — both lead to the same editing panel.
How to Open the Editor
Method 1: Via Google Search
Type "Ilanga Complex" into Google Search while logged into your verified Google Account. A management panel will appear at the top of the results with the button "Edit profile." Click it to open the inline editor.
Method 2: Via Business Profile Manager
Go to business.google.com, sign in, and select the Ilanga Complex listing from your dashboard. Click "Edit profile" in the left-hand panel to access all editable fields including address, phone, hours, and description.
Both methods give you access to the same fields. The Google Search method is often faster for quick edits, while Business Profile Manager offers more advanced options.
Step 2B — Update the Address Fields
1
Click "Location" or "Address"
In the Edit Profile panel, scroll to the Location section and click the address field to edit it. A map will appear alongside the address entry form.
2
Enter the Correct Address
Clear any existing address data and type the correct address carefully: 1188 Puttick Avenue, Northwold, Randburg. Ensure spelling, street type (Ave vs Avenue), and suburb are consistent with official postal records.
3
Drag the Map Pin to the Exact Location
After entering the address, Google will attempt to auto-place the pin. Manually drag the pin to the precise location of Ilanga Complex on the map. Zoom in as far as possible to ensure accuracy — pin it to the building entrance or car park, not the street.
4
Save Your Changes
Click Save or Apply. Google will review the change — most address updates go live within 24–72 hours. You may receive an email confirming the update has been accepted.
Step 2C — Confirm the Pin Is Correct on Google Maps
After saving, it's important to verify that the pin has moved to the correct location and no longer points to the residential property. Allow up to 72 hours for changes to propagate fully.
Search "Ilanga Complex" in Maps
Open Google Maps in an incognito/private browser window (so your login doesn't influence results) and search "Ilanga Complex." Confirm the pin lands on the complex building itself.
Search "1188 Puttick Ave"
Also search the raw address "1188 Puttick Ave, Northwold" to ensure it now correctly resolves to Ilanga Complex rather than the residential property. If both searches show the correct result, the fix is confirmed.
Check Street View
Use Google Street View to visually confirm the pin's position. You should be able to see Ilanga Complex signage or the complex entrance at the pinned location — not a private house.
What to Do If Google Rejects the Address Change
In some cases, Google may flag an address edit for additional review — particularly when the new address conflicts with another existing listing (such as the residential property). Here's how to handle it.
Submit a Map Edit via Google Maps
On Google Maps, locate the residential property that incorrectly appears at 1188 Puttick Ave. Click "Suggest an edit" and report the address as incorrect. This flags the conflicting data to Google's editorial team for manual review.
Use Google Business Profile Support
Access support at support.google.com/business and select "Contact Us." Explain that your verified business address conflicts with an incorrectly mapped residential property. Provide your business name, address, and any supporting documentation (lease agreement, utility bill).
Provide Supporting Evidence
Attach a copy of the lease agreement or title deed confirming Ilanga Complex's address as 1188 Puttick Ave. Google support can manually override conflicting map data when sufficient evidence is provided. Response times are typically 3–7 business days.
Supporting Documents You May Need
Having the right documentation ready will speed up the process considerably — especially if Google requests additional verification or if the address edit is disputed.
You don't need all of these documents — typically one or two will suffice. A lease agreement or utility bill is usually the most persuasive evidence for Google support.
After the Fix: Optimise Your Profile
Now that your profile is claimed and the address is corrected, take the opportunity to fully optimise the listing. A complete, accurate Google Business Profile significantly improves your visibility in local search results and builds trust with prospective clients and visitors.
Profile Optimisation Checklist
Business Hours
Add accurate opening hours, including any variations for public holidays. Incorrect hours are one of the top complaints from customers who arrive to find a business closed.
Phone Number
Include a primary contact number that is actively monitored. Google may use this number for future verification checks, so ensure it is current.
Website URL
Link to the official Ilanga Complex website or a relevant contact/enquiry page. This improves SEO and gives visitors a clear next step.
Photos
Upload high-quality exterior and interior photos of Ilanga Complex. Listings with photos receive significantly more clicks and direction requests than those without.
Business Description
Write a clear, keyword-rich description of Ilanga Complex — what it is, what tenants or services it hosts, and what makes it notable. Keep it under 750 characters.
Business Category
Select the most accurate primary category (e.g. "Commercial Building," "Office Complex," or "Business Park"). Add secondary categories as applicable to improve search relevance.
Summary: Your Complete Action Plan
Here is a quick reference summary of every step required to resolve the Ilanga Complex Google Business Profile issue from start to finish.
Claiming and managing a Google Business Profile is completely free. There are no charges for verification, editing, or optimising the listing.
✅ Expected Outcome
Searching "Ilanga Complex" or "1188 Puttick Ave" will both correctly pinpoint the complex — eliminating confusion for visitors, tenants, and delivery services.
Need help? Contact Google Business Profile support at support.google.com/business — or reach out to a local digital marketing professional familiar with Google Maps verification in South Africa.