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Sophie, when I was starting out I left cards in a frame shop, after showing the owner my portfolio. He was impressed and recommended me to a woman who wanted a large posthumous portrait of her husband. Another useful tactic is to donate all or part of the cost of a commissioned portrait to a fundraiser at an upscale school. Parents who can afford such places can also afford portraits, and this provides excellent exposure. That didn't work for me but I know it's been a good marketing strategy for some.
You can also leave cards and brochures at upscale children's clothing stores, and put ads in papers with a circulation in the right neighborhoods or areas.
I have also gotten two commissions from my website but it's probably more realistic to view a site more as an online portfolio than as a way to entice people who are unfamiliar with you or your work. It definitely helps to be able to refer people to a professional-looking website when they're contemplating a commission. They enjoy showing the site to family members and that helps them commit.
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