I find the key with leaflets is to have a good design and drop them often - and this sounds obvious but I don’t think everyone does it - drop them in areas you want work in!
It’s ideal if you can post them yourself really and push them through the right doors.
Canvassing is the same , I wouldn’t knock every door , I’d do a couple of hours a day knocking doors of homes I want to clean.
A good mix of both over a sustained period is guaranteed to have results.
I find in my area leaflets are very successful , also I get work months later from leaflets people have kept . I also find the customers are better quality.
If I wanted work fast , there’s no doubt canvassing is king but you will have a higher turnover rate.
I find leaflets good for flushing out areas that are desperate for a window cleaner - ie 2-3 calls from an area - I know I can go knock doors and fill my boots.
You will have weeks where it’s slow and then one day pick up half a days work.
It’s just the way it is .
The trick is to trust the process and keep on going out consistently . Don’t forget to smile and keep it simple !