diff --git a/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/base.py b/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/base.py
index 9b3738eaa..1e5a23282 100644
--- a/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/base.py
+++ b/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/base.py
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ def _get_potential_citations(potential):
     @property
     def potential(self):
         """
-        Execute view_potential() or list_potential() in order to see the pre-defined potential files
+        Execute view_potentials() or list_potentials() in order to see the pre-defined potential files
 
         Returns:
 
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ def potential(self):
     @potential.setter
     def potential(self, potential_filename):
         """
-        Execute view_potential() or list_potential() in order to see the pre-defined potential files
+        Execute view_potentials() or list_potentials() in order to see the pre-defined potential files
 
         Args:
             potential_filename:
diff --git a/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/potential.py b/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/potential.py
index 01b55856b..73f956e82 100644
--- a/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/potential.py
+++ b/pyiron_atomistics/lammps/potential.py
@@ -238,6 +238,16 @@ def __init__(self, potential_df=None, default_df=None, selected_atoms=None):
             default_df=default_df,
             selected_atoms=selected_atoms,
         )
+        if len(self.list()) == 0:
+            state.logger.warning(
+                "It looks like your potential database is empty. In order to"
+                " install the standard pyiron library, run:\n\n"
+                "conda install -c conda-forge pyiron-data\n\n"
+                "Depending on the circumstances, you might have to change the"
+                " RESOURCE_PATHS of your .pyiron file. It is typically located in"
+                " your home directory. More can be found on the installation page"
+                " of the pyiron website."
+            )
 
     def default(self):
         if self._default_df is not None: