I tried the mail drop thing and NOTHING. I tried adverts ect nothing. Some bright spark on here to whom I will be eternally grateful, told me to do the craft fairs and xmas fairs and summer fairs EVERYTHING doing shape and polish, 10min mani, basic nail art and make sure everyone takes a leaflet. I am snowed under. It took all of about 4 weeks!
If you raise your public profile and more of the local community see you and see you working and most importantly, that you are professional, they will have confidence in coming to you and not a salon. Remember, to the majority of the public, salon equals better. Obviously thats NOT always the case so being 'out there' and being seen is the best advertising.